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DRBA Police to participate in drug take-back day Oct. 24

October 13, 2020

The Delaware River and Bay Authority Police Department will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Locally, unused medications will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes.

This initiative, which focuses on removing potentially dangerous drugs from U.S. homes, provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.

According to Col. Richard Arroyo, DRBA police administrator, this DEA program addresses a vital public safety and health issue. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are prone to misuse and abuse,” Arroyo said. “It is important to properly dispose of expired, unwanted or unused prescription medicines to diminish opportunities for easy access to these medications. We hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to do just that.”

Arroyo said the program is confidential: “No questions or requests for identification will be made by law enforcement personnel present. In fact, participants will be asked to remove any personal information from bottles or packages.”

Since the DRBA began participating in the NTBI in 2010, more than 2,000 pounds of medication have been collected at DRBA sites including both terminals of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and the New Castle Airport terminal building.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day focuses on providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. Numerous collections sites are established throughout the area for the public to relinquish over-the-counter, controlled substance or prescription drugs including tablets, capsules, ointments, creams and liquids as well as expired animal medication and vitamins. No syringes will be accepted.

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 also advised that the typical methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – both pose potential safety and health hazards.

To find the nearest collection site, go to dea.gov and click on the drug disposal icon to enter a ZIP code.

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