Here is an update to Saturday’s event
On Saturday, September 25th, the Seattle Police Department partnered with the DEA in the nationwide medicine “Take-Back” initiative that sought to prevent increased pill abuse and provide environmentally sound disposal. Potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescriptions were dropped off at our five Seattle Police Department Precincts between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The following is a break down by precinct:
South Precinct- 100 lbs
Southwest Precinct- 81 lbs
North Precinct- 194 lbs
East Precinct- 60 lbs
West Precinct- 58 lbs
Total= 493 lbs.
Prescription drugs represent a significant public health problem when these items are used outside of their intended purpose. Often these prescription drugs, particularly opiate based drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin, are diverted through robberies, burglaries, and theft. This DEA sponsored event helped to raise awareness on the importance of disposing of these kinds of drugs safely before they can fall into the wrong hands. Education and Prevention measures like the National Pharmaceutical Drugs Take-back Day are instrumental in protecting our youth and the public at-large