Robert Bongiorno, Chief of Police
2 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730
For Immediate Release
Monday, Oct. 31, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police Collect 300 Pounds of Drugs in Partnership with DEA’s Drug Take Back Days
BEDFORD – Chief Robert Bongiorno is pleased to announce that the Bedford Police Department has collected approximately 300 pounds of drugs in the past six months in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Take Back Days.
The most recent Drug Take Back Day took place on Saturday, Oct. 22. Bedford Police encouraged residents to drop off their unused and expired medications to the department, which were then given to the DEA for proper disposal. The department also has drop boxes for both needles and prescriptions in the station lobby, where residents can anonymously discard unwanted or potentially harmful drugs and substances.
“We collected an extremely large amount of drugs during this Take Back season, which is incredibly encouraging to our department,” Chief Bongiorno said. “This level of response shows that parents and families are taking the opioid crisis seriously, and protecting their households as a result. We encourage everyone to continue this line of thinking, and remember that the 24-hour drop box in our station is always available.”
National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event coordinated by the DEA and 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 accepted pills and patches but does not take liquids, needles, or sharps. The Bedford Police Department collected approximately 15 pounds of drugs during the most recent Take Back Day.
Last April, during its 11th Take Back Day, the DEA, and more than 4,200 of its national, tribal and community law enforcement partners, collected 893,498 pounds (about 447 tons) of unwanted prescription drugs at almost 5,400 collection sites. Over the life of the program, 7.1 million pounds (more than 3,500 tons) of prescription drugs have been removed from medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers, and nightstands by citizens around the country.
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 of unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage, as these methods have potential safety and health risks.
Residents can drop off their prescription drugs at the Bedford Police Department’s MedReturn kiosk, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the station’s lobby.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Oct. 22 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control site or contact the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212.
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