Bring your prescription medications to police on Saturday

Contrary to what you may have been told in the past, do not flush unwanted medications down the toilet.As part of a nationwide initiative, local police departments will be conducting a prescription drug disposal day Saturday, Sept. 25 in an effort to prevent the diversion of unwanted prescription medications and also reduce their impact on the environment.The program is a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), state, community, public health and local law enforcement agencies.Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett is urging residents to gather their expired, unused and unneeded medication, which will be safely disposed of by the DEA at no cost to the community.”Prescription drugs are abused by young people in greater numbers than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined,” Blodgett said. “In most cases, young people are able to get these drugs from their homes or from a friend’s home. Young people believe that these drugs are safer than so-called street drugs, when in fact non-medical use of these drugs can be very dangerous and highly addictive.”Nahant Police Sgt. Paul Manley said the program offers a safe way to remove potentially dangerous prescription and over the counter medications from home. “These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal drug use,” said Manley. “The one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of the increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse.”The Nahant drop-box will be located in the lobby of the Nahant police station from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 25.The Lynn police department has a drop-box located in the lobby of the Lynn police station. The “kick-off” event for the Lynn drug disposal drop-box began in June and has remained in the police station lobby since.Lynn Health Director MaryAnn O’Connor encourages parents in the area to take advantage of the program. “Most parents don’t realize how easy it is for kids to get a hold of these medications,” said O’Connor. “The program is a great way to make sure your unused and/or unwanted drugs don’t end up in the wrong hands.” Drop-offs to the Lynn station can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Other local police departments that will have drop-box locations on Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon include Marblehead, Swampscott, Saugus, Lynnfield and Revere. Drop-boxes will be located in the lobby of the designated police station.Peabody’s drug disposal event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 25 at the Department of Public Works at 50 Farm Ave., Peabody.Syringes, needles, medical devices, thermometers and IV bags will not be accepted. All donations made are completely confidential. For more information call your local police station or visit www.dea.gov to find a collection site near you.