National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative

Prince George’s County Maryland… The Prince George’s County Police Department will be participating in a nationwide initiative seeking to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.  On Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., the Prince George’s County Police Department, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) and the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ), will be collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction.

The Prince George’s County Police Department will have three collection points:
• District I Station at 5000 Rhode Island Avenue in Hyattsville
• District III Station at 7600 Barlowe Road in Palmer Park
• District IV Station at 5135 Indian Head Highway in Oxon Hill

The Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  The D.E.A. cites studies that show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.  In addition, many citizens 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 event will offer the opportunity for the community to surrender any expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications.  This service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.  For more information, contact the Community Services Division at (301) 909-7126 or go to http://www.dea.gov/ .