For Immediate Release

Friday, May 6, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-743-0004
Email: john@jgpr.net

Pepperell Police Collect 160 Pounds of Drugs During National Take Back Event

PEPPERELL – Chief David Scott is pleased to announce that the Pepperell Police Department collected 160 pounds of prescription drugs during last weekend’s National Drug Take Back Day.

On April 30, residents turned in their expired and unused medications to the Pepperell Police Department, which were then given to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for proper disposal. The department also has a drug drop box in the station lobby where residents can anonymously discard unwanted or potentially harmful drugs and substances.

“We are happy to see that our community is taking the matter of the opioid epidemic seriously,” said Chief Scott. “These drugs pose a threat to our residents and we are glad to see them disposing of these potentially harmful substances in a safe, legal way.”

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 September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and municipal law enforcement partners. Since the first Take Back event, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds of drugs.

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 Pepperell 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 Pepperell Police at (978) 433-2424.

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