Verona Police Department Accepting Unused Prescription Drugs for DEA National Takeback

As part of the Drug Disposal Act of 2010, the DEA is setting up its last collection day in the foreseeable future at area police stations to give residents an opportunity to get turn over their unused prescription drugs so the products can be sent to appropriate.

The Verona Police Department, located at 600 Bloomfield Avenue, will be accepting unused prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept 27.

The DEA said that controlled substances pose a threat to public safety as the substances can be accidentally swallowed, stolen, misused or abused. There are currently 6.8 million Americans who abuse controlled pharmaceuticals -- more than those who abuse cocaine, heroin, inhalants and hallucinogens combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Due to the difficulty of getting rid of prescription drugs, people either left drugs sitting in medicine cabinets or flushed them down the toilet, a practice that is harmful for the environment.

“Every day, I hear from another parent who has tragically lost a son or daughter to an opioid overdose. No words can lessen their pain,” said Michael Botticelli, acting director of National Drug Control Policy. “But we can take decisive action, like the one we’re announcing today, to prevent more lives from being cut short far too soon. We know that if we remove unused painkillers from the home, we can prevent misuse and dependence from ever taking hold. These regulations will create critical new avenues for addictive prescription drugs to leave the home and be disposed of in a safe, environmentally friendly way.”

To find other take-back locations in the area, visit the DEA website or call1-800-882-9539.

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