PERMANENT DRUG DROP-BOX YIELDS 243 POUNDS OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS IN 2013

(January 23, 2014) – The Ocean City Public Safety Building lobby has housed a permanent 24-hour drug drop-box since May of 2012. In 2013, 243 pounds of unused and unwanted medications, including controlled pain medications, depressants and stimulants, were turned in to the drop box. These turned-in medications have a street value of nearly $25,000.

Another permanent drug take back drop box is located at the Ocean Pines Police Department. Combined, the two drop boxes yielded a total of 657 pounds of medication containing 12,598 controlled pills having a street value of $70,592.

“The drop box was donated to the Ocean City Police Department in May 2012 by the Ocean City Elks Lodge and has served as a safe place for citizens to bring their unused and unwanted medications ensuring that the medications never end up on the streets of Ocean City,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro. “We strongly encourage citizens to take their unwanted medications to the drop box and not flush their medication or throw them away. Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.”

The Maryland Executive Board members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them as well as out of Maryland coastal bays and waterways.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this free and confidential program, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-520-5395.

Ocean City Police Dept.