Crime & Safety
Middletowners Turn in 54 Pounds of Unused Drugs
Middletown Residents turned in 54 pounds of unused prescription drugs last weekend as part of the 4th Annual Drug Take Back Day.
More than 54 pounds of potantially dangerous expired prescription drugs are in the hands of police after residents volunteered them Saturday.
The partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency in the fourth Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Middletown residents contributions pushed the total amount of pharmaceuticals collected in Rhode Island to 2,262 pounds.
“These three events have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, and increased awareness of this critical public health issue,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.
Last year, more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications were turned in across the country.
“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the past three Take-Back Day events speaks volumes about the need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” said Leonhart.
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A police officer monitored the prescription drug collection bins placed in the lobby of the Middletown station as residents dropped off expired or unused prescription drugs. The DEA later collected the bins destroyed the drugs in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Chief Anthony M. Pesare said he would like to thank everyone involved for their participation in the event.
