DEARBORN – Next week, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will coordinate a one-day, collaborative nationwide effort to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s homes.
This national take-back initiative, which is being facilitated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will provide a unified opportunity for the public to surrender pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction, officials said.
The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates there are 6.2 million current nonmedical users of psychotherapeutic drugs in the United States. The survey also concludes there are more Americans abusing psychotherapeutics than the number of cocaine, heroin and hallucinogen abusers combined.
Expired, unused, or unwanted controlled substances in homes are a potential supply to fuel this abuse and are an unacceptable risk to the public’s health and safety, law enforcement officials said.
Dearborn Police Chief Haddad said it is important to ensure controlled substances are disposed of properly to prevent accidental ingestion by children or abuse by others.
Locally, collection activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Dearborn Police Department, 16099 Michigan Ave. Collection boxes will be provided by the DEA. Destruction of the materials will be accomplished in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Residents of any city can utilize the collection boxes at the Dearborn Police Department, police said.