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Melrose Police Department
Michael L. Lyle, Chief
56 W. Foster St.
Melrose, MA 02176

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Department to Participate in Drug Take Back Day

MELROSE— Chief Michael L. Lyle announces that the Melrose Police Department is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this weekend.

On Saturday, April 29, the Melrose Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be accepting expired, unused and unwanted drugs at the police station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop-offs are free and will remain anonymous. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps. 

“Drug Take Back Day is an easy way for residents to properly dispose of old and unused medications,” Chief Lyle said. “We certainly hope that community members take advantage of this opportunity to remove potentially dangerous drugs from their homes to prevent abuse or misuse.”

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous take back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds – more than 3,500 tons – of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their previous methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash —  pose potential environmental, safety and health hazards.

Residents who cannot make this weekend’s event can drop off prescription medications at the department’s drug drop-off kiosk, which is located in the station’s lobby and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs, or about the April 29 event, visit the DEA website or contact the Melrose Police Department at 781-665-1212.

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