Police Station Collects 98 Pounds of Prescription Drugs

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the (EPPD), and the East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC) consider the Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held on Saturday a success, say organizers.

Prescription drug take-back events were held in various communities across Rhode Island and a total of 1,271 pounds of prescription drugs were collected. At the East Providence drop off location, 98 pounds were collected, filling a total of five boxes. The Drug Enforcement Administration took the boxes of prescription drugs by late afternoon to an undisclosed location where they were to be incinerated by the end of the day, reads a press release.

"This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, reads the release. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, 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. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards," reads the release.

There will be another take back event in six months. To stay up to date on when and where take back events occur visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ or contact the EPPC at 401-435-7516.