For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015

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

Littleton Police Offer School Safety Tips

LITTLETON– Chief Matthew King announces that the Littleton 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 Littleton Police Department, located at 500 Great Road.

“We are proud to be hosting a Drug Take Back event again this year,” Chief King said. “These medications can be extremely dangerous if they get into the wrong hands. I strongly encouraging anyone who has unused prescriptions in their home to dispose of them at this event.”

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. For the fourth year in a row, the Littleton Police Department will be hosting a drive-through drop. Residents can drive to the rear of the police station where an officer will meet them to take their medications, without having to get out of the car. 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 Littleton 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 Littleton Police at 978-540-2300.

###