Police Take Back Nearly 300 Pounds of Prescription Drugs

A release from the Wakefield Police Department:

WAKEFIELD –The Wakefield Police Department turned over nearly 300 pounds of unwanted, unneeded or expired prescriptions to the Drug Enforcement Administration following its Drug Take Back Day on April 28, according to chief Rick Smith.

The 299.3 pounds of drugs were turned in by residents as part of the Wakefield Police Department's participation in the DEA's national Take Back Day initiative, which it holds twice yearly.

Together with a record-setting amount of local, state and federal partners, the DEA collected and destroyed close to one million pounds—nearly 475 tons—of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, making it the most successful event in DEA history.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

"These results are remarkable and a true reflection of our residents' commitment to do their part to fight the deadly drug epidemic," Chief Smith said. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep these potentially deadly drugs from reaching our streets."

Residents who missed the National Drug Take Back Day can also drop off their prescription drugs and sharps any time at the respective kiosks at the Wakefield Public Safety Building.

About National Drug Take Back Day:

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and local police departments. The designated day gives the public an opportunity to prevent substance abuse by disposing of potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs in their possession. The DEA will accept pills and patches but cannot take liquids, needles, or sharps.