Argyle police to host prescription drug drop-off day

Local residents can do their part to keep drugs from circulating in our community.

Prescription drugs that are expired, unused or unwanted will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Argyle Police Department.

Argyle Police are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency in the nationwide prescription drug “Take Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming pace, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  In addition, many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

“This effort symbolizes DEA’s commitment to halting the disturbing rise in addiction caused by their misuse and abuse,” said Michele M. Leonhart, Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The service is free and anonymous. Participants are encouraged to remove their identifying information from the prescription bottle. No syringes, liquids, or inhalers will be accepted. All items will be turned over to the DEA for destruction.

Other area collection sites can be found by visiting www.dea.gov.