County Police Collect 300 Pounds of Pills

The Anne Arundel County Police Department collected more than 300 pounds of unused drugs as part of their annual "Prescription Drug Take Back" on April 28, according to a press release. In total, the county collected 12.5 boxes of various unused medications weighing approximately 363.87 pounds.

Two previous initiatives held in 2011 had similar results .

Sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Anne Arundel County Police Department, officers reported that area residents dropped off “several hundred bottles” of expired and unused medications, according to the release.

Some of the medications collected were OxyContin, Percocet and fentanyl along with other over-the-counter medications. Collection sites were established at each of the county’s four police districts.

The full press release is copied below:

The Anne Arundel County Police Department would like to thank all of the citizens that participated in a very successful Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. The event was held on Saturday, April 28, 2012, and was sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Officers report that there were “several hundred bottles” of expired and unused medications collected.

Some of the medications collected were Oxycontin, Percocet, Fentanyl along with other over the counter medications. Collection sites were established at each of the county’s four police districts.

In total, the county collected 12.5 boxes of various pharmaceutics weighing approximately 363.87 pounds. Each district was staffed with a representative from the Police Department along with a DEA investigator to answer any questions or concerns regarding the abuse of prescription medication. Citizens inquired about the harm caused by flushing the unused medication down the toilet and how it affects the water, septic systems, the environment and overall public safety.

Many citizens expressed gratitude for the operation and inquired about possible future events. This event was held on a national level and the Anne Arundel County Police Department was proud to assist the Drug Enforcement Administration and the local community in this program. The two previous initiatives held in 2011 had similar results with the combined collection of over 575 pounds of unused/unwarranted medication.

As a reminder to citizens, new drop boxes will be permanently installed in each district police station for the purpose of disposing of unused or unwanted medications. The drop boxes will allow citizens to dispose of these medications at their convenience in a safe and secure environment.

Southern District police station currently has an operational drop box and plans are underway to install drop boxes at the remaining three district police stations. The same collection protocols established for the pill take back initiative will be in effect for the drop boxes.

“I truly appreciate the involvement of the citizens in this initiative, realizing the importance of disposing of these medications in an environmentally safe way,” said Chief of Police Colonel James Teare Sr. “As a community, we are collaboratively taking steps to reduce prescription drug abuse and future drop boxes will provide another safe, convenient option for residents.”