Groton Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groton Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month

GROTON — Chief Donald Palma Jr. announces that the Groton Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Groton Police Department, located at 99 Pleasant St..

“We are proud to support the efforts of National Drug Take Back Day each year,” Chief Palma said. “I encourage anyone with unused prescription drugs or medications in their homes to take some to the police station and drop them off. Every unwanted prescription drug left in a home is another opportunity for the wrong person to get their hands on them.”

National Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous event that 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 will accept pills and patches but cannot 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 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 also drop off their prescription drugs at the Groton 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 Sept. 26 Drug Take Back Day, visit the DEA Office of  Diversion Control site or contact Groton Police at 978-448-5555.

Click here to download a flyer about the event from the Groton Police Department.

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