Chief Domenic J. DiMella
27 Hamilton Street
Saugus, MA 01906
For Immediate Release
Monday, Sept. 21, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: john@jgpr.net
Saugus Police to Host National Drug Take Back Day Event This Month
SAUGUS — Chief Domenic DiMella announces that the Saugus 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 Saugus Police Department, 27 Hamilton St.
“The Saugus Police Department is proud to participate in National Drug Take Back Day by hosting an event at the police station,” Chief DiMella said. “Any residents who have unused prescription drugs in the medicine cabinet at home should use this opportunity to properly dispose of these medications to ensure they never end up in the wrong hands.”
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.
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 Saugus Police at 781-233-1740.
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