GPD to Host DEA National Take Back Day

Need to safely dispose of old prescription or over the counter medications?

The Glasgow Police Department, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will collect unused and unwanted medications at both the Valley County Courthouse and at the police station during regular business hours on Saturday, Oct. 23.

"If they have any prescription drugs sitting around or just normal over the counter drugs they want to get rid of, now would be a good time to do it," said GPD Chief Rob Weber. "It keeps them out of the unauthorized hands of unauthorized users. Essentially prescription drugs in the past have been a problem with people who shouldn't have them having them. It leads to addiction. It leads to other crimes when they are misused. Theft is a pretty common thing, and break-ins, when people try to get older prescription drugs."

The April 2021 Take Back Day brought in 839,543 lbs. (420 Tons) of medication nationally, according to the DEA. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to nearly 14,524,391 pounds​.

What Should You Do With Your Unused Meds?

Don't Share

Keep track of your legally prescribed controlled substances – that is, count your pills so you always know how much you should have and so you know when to take action if any go missing. With controlled substances, sharing is NOT caring. You could be putting your loved ones at risk, and unintentionally contribute to drug misuse, drug addiction, or a fatal drug overdose.

Limit Access

Everyone knows to keep medicine "out of the reach of children" but once your children become teens, there's a good chance they can "reach" all medicines in your home and they know exactly where you keep what. Many people keep their medicine in easy to reach, easy to access cupboards, medicine cabinets, drawers, etc. So put your medicine somewhere that only you can easily find and access. Lock it up if you can. This will keep your medicine from unintentionally ending up in the wrong hands and just may save someone's life!

For more information, call GPD at 406-228-8050.