Exeter Police To Host National Drug Take Back Day Sept. 26

Chief Richard Kane announces that the Exeter Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Exeter Police Station.

“We are proud to have participated in this event since its inception and would like to thank our community for their continued support,” Kane said. “I am strongly encouraging any residents who have unused prescription drugs in their medicine cabinets to participate in this Take Back Day and dispose of them properly. If these types of medications end up in the wrong hands, the result could be devastating.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that 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.

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (more than 617,000 lbs.) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

This initiative addresses a vital public health issue. Easily accessible unused prescriptions in homes are highly susceptible to abuse and misuse. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Residents are advised to avoid disposing unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Sept. 26 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control site or contact Exeter Police at 603-772-1212.