On Saturday April 26, 2014, the Pleasanton Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provided an opportunity for residents to drop off potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
[Related article: Got Drugs? Police Collecting Unused Prescription Medications for National Take Back Day]
For the fifth year in a row, the event, held at the Pleasanton Police Department, drew many Pleasanton residents who dropped off enough prescription medication drugs to fill 20 large boxes.
As a result, nearly 500 pounds of prescription drugs are no longer easily accessible to others for illegal/dangerous use or experimentation.
Prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, a San Ramon non-profit organization. Addiction to dangerous drugs often begins by raiding the medicine cabinets of an individual’s friends or family. This program provides a remedy to discard prescription medications that are no longer needed.
In addition to the officers, representatives from Mothers with a Purpose were at the event passing out valuable information and offering advice to residents regarding prescription drug abuse.
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