Three-Quarters Of A Ton Of Pills Dropped Off In Manchester

Nearly three-quarters of a ton of pills.

That’s how much prescription medication -- 1,473 pounds -- was deposited in Project Medicine Drop at the Manchester Township Police Department in 2014, according to a news release from the police department.

That’s 1,473 pounds of unneeded prescription medication that was prevented from potentially falling into the wrong hands -- all part of the effort to combat the growing drug problems in Ocean County.

The box -- one of the more than 100 throughout the state -- was put in place in the vestibule at police headquarters, 1 Colonial Dr., in July 2013. It is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can accept pills, capsules, patches and pet medications still in their packaging.

Unpackaged, loose or leaking containers, as well as syringes and liquids, are not permitted in the box.

Prescription drug abuse by teenagers is a growing problem, and much of that supply unwittingly comes from the medicine cabinets of parents, grandparents and friends. Medication abuse can be a gateway to other drug use and crime, including theft. Abusers have been known to steal pills from unsuspecting family members, meaning the unneeded prescriptions left in medicine cabinets can fall into the wrong hands and lead to a dangerous habit.

“Project Medicine Drop has been a great asset to our community, since every ounce of unneeded prescription medication dropped off means those drugs will not be abused,” said Detective Albert Vega, who serves as the program coordinator in Manchester. “The drop box is convenient and simple to use. We encourage all of our residents to take advantage of the program.”

Deposited medications are collected regularly by police personnel and disposed of under strict supervision by state-authorized firms. Because pill containers may contain patient information, such as names and address, every effort is made to protect the privacy of those who utilize the box.

More information about Project Medicine Drop is available on the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs website, here, or by calling 800-242-5846.

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