North Reading Police Dispose of 30 Pounds of Drugs

Residents dropped off 30 pounds of prescription drugs to the North Reading Police Department on Saturday.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a national event in which police department across the country collected unwanted and unused prescription drugs, no questions asked.

“I want to commend our residents for making Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day a success,” North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy said.

In combination with Prescription Drug Take-Back day and the permanent drug disposal kiosk in the police station lobby, the police disposed of about 200 pounds of prescription drugs total.

“Events like this put the spotlight on a potentially serious problem in each of our homes,” Murphy said.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day was designed to prevent prescription drug abuse in the U.S., which is at an all-time high. In 2012, 6.8 million Americans abused prescription drugs, according to a Drug Enforcement Administration press release.

If patrons are still in possession of unused prescription drugs, they can drop off the medications at the 24/7 drug disposal kiosk in the police station lobby at any time.

“We are grateful to all members of the public who take advantage of these services to dispose of their unwanted drugs,” Murphy said.