Chief Robert J. Ferullo Jr
25 Harrison Ave.
Woburn, MA 01801
For Immediate Release
Friday, Oct. 28, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Woburn Police Take Back 130 Pounds of Drugs After National Drug Take Back Event
WOBURN – Chief Robert Ferullo is pleased to announce that the Woburn Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), collected 130 pounds of prescription medications during National Drug Take Back Day last Saturday.
Residents turned in their expired and unused medications to the Woburn Police Department on Oct. 22, which were then given to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for proper disposal. The department also has a drop box for prescriptions in the station lobby, where residents can anonymously discard unwanted or potentially harmful drugs and substances.
“This event is important for residents who need to properly dispose of prescription medications,” Chief Ferullo said. “We are pleased with the turnout and that our community recognizes the importance of keeping their homes safe and free of potentially dangerous substances.”
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.
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. Since the program began six years ago, about 7.1 million pounds (more than 3,500 tons) of drugs have been collected. That’s more than a quarter pound of pills for each of the 25 million children, ages 12 to 17, in America.
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 who missed the National Drug Take Back Day can also drop off their prescription drugs at the Woburn Police Department’s drug drop box in the station lobby, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, visit the DEA Office of Diversion Control website or contact Woburn Police at 781-933-1212.
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