New England Residents Turn In 68,958 Pounds Of Prescription Drugs During Take-Back Event
OCT 26 - BOSTON - Michael J. Ferguson Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England announced that 68,958 pounds of expired, unused, and unwanted prescriptions were collected throughout New England on Saturday, October 22, 2016 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at one of 566 collection sites throughout New England, operated by 505 local law enforcement agencies and other community partners. The service was free of charge, no questions asked and most of the collection sites could be found in the lobby of your local Police Department.
“The amount of drugs collected clearly indicates that residents of New England are motivated to make their community and homes safer for our youth,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “With the current opioid epidemic DEA’s obligation is to improve public safety and public health, and we are committed to working with our law enforcement and community partners to ensure citizens are afforded the opportunity to safely dispose prescription medications.”
The following is a breakdown of collected weights for the six New England states:
Connecticut 6,194.3 pounds
Massachusetts 24,002.31 pounds
Maine 24,260 pounds
New Hampshire 8,033.8 pounds
Rhode Island 2,533.5 pounds
Vermont 3,934.4 pounds
Total 68,958.31 pounds
Recent DEA drug disposal regulations authorize certain DEA registrants to become authorized collectors. DEA will continue holding Take-Back Days while these and other collector’s take back programs are launched and expanded. The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting the DEA Diversion site. In addition New England residents should check with their local Police Departments as many of them have a drop off receptacle/kiosk so that the public can anonymously drop off expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications seven days a week throughout the year, no questions asked.
