OCPD Urges Citizens To Turn In Unused and Expired Medications

The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit is inviting citizens to participate in the upcoming Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building (6501 Coastal Highway).

The OCPD has participated in the bi-annual program on three previous occasions. The Department’s last participation in “Operation Medicine Drop” proved to be a success, yielding 14.2 pounds of medicine at the Ocean City location.

In cooperation with officials from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Worcester County Health Department, Berlin Police Department and Assateague Coastal Trust/Coastkeeper, a total of 135 pounds of unused and expired medications was collected in Worcester County alone.

The previous drug take-back day, September 29, 2012, resulted in 488,395 pounds (244 tons) of unwanted/expired medications at the 5,263 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states. There have been a total of five take-back days since the beginning of this program which has yielded a total of more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of medication from circulation.

In addition to drug take-back day, OCPD’s commitment to get unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication out of citizens’ cabinets and off the streets continues each day through the 24-hour drop box, donated by the Ocean City Elks Lodge. T

his drop box is located at the Public Safety Building. Citizens are urged to 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.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative is a free and confidential program. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665.

Submitted:

Ocean City Police Dept.