Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day has been called a huge success by organizers across the country. This past Saturday, May 9th, police and volunteers worked together to help local residents safely dispose of unused and unwanted medications.
At its 3 locations, the Chatham-Kent Police Service received over 47 kilograms of prescription medications from just over 48 citizens. Most of the drugs collected included opiates, amphetamines and barbiturates which are all highly dangerous drugs.
This initiative, sponsored by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, helps police keep these drugs out of the hands of those who should not have them. The misuse and abuse of prescription medications has become a public safety issue for communities and police services across the country. The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose and in some cases, death.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to remind residents that at any time, unused or expired prescription medications can be dropped off at local pharmacies. They will dispose of the medications in an environmentally safe manner. Also, to keep prescription medications from our water sources please do not flush them down toilets or wash them down drains.
