'Operation Take Back New Jersey' Aims to Get Prescription Drugs Off the Streets

More Americans abuse prescription drugs than those using cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined, according to a 2009 national survey, and law enforcement agencies throughout Gloucester County will do their part in addressing that problem through the statewide “Operation Take Back New Jersey” program on Saturday.

West Deptford police, along with all other Gloucester County police departments, the county sheriff’s office and the Rowan University police department, will staff collection locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for people to drop off expired or unwanted prescription medication.

“Every law enforcement agency in the county will be participating in this important event,” said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean F. Dalton.  “They recognize that most young people who misuse prescription drugs report that they obtain them from family or friends. They mistakenly believe they are safer than street drugs.”

Law enforcement agencies throughout Gloucester County and New Jersey will be accepting drop-offs of expired or unwanted prescription medications. Collection boxes will be placed at each police headquarters and sheriff’s officers will staff a site at the county store in the Deptford Mall.

Residents can drop off medications anonymously, with no questions asked, at any of the locations. Labels on medicine vials can be peeled off or inked out, or the drugs can be placed in a plastic bag.

Statewide, drop-offs totaled more than 9,000 pounds of unwanted medicines in 2009 and more than 14,400 pounds last year. In the first nationwide effort last year, Americans turned over 121 tons of medications.

More collection locations can be found by going to the website dea.gov and clicking on the “Got Drugs” banner at the top of the home page.