OCPD PARTICIPATING IN NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK INITIATIVE

The Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit is inviting citizens to participate in the upcoming Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative which will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Police Department (6501 Coastal Highway).

The Ocean City Police Department has participated in the bi-annual program on two previous occasions. The Ocean City Police Department’s last participation in “Operation Medicine Drop” proved to be a success, yielding 26.5 pounds of medicine at the Ocean City location. Joining officials from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Worcester County Health Department, Berlin Police Department and Assateague Coastal Trust/Coastkeeper, a total of 205lbs. of unused and expired medications was collected in Worcester County alone.

April 28th 2012 was the previous drug take back day which resulted in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted/expired medications at the 5,659 take back sites that were available in all 50 states. There have been a total of four take-back days since the beginning of this program which has yielded a total of 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medication from circulation

In addition, the department’s commitment to get unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication out of people’s cabinets and off the streets has continued through the recent addition of a 24-hour drop box, donated by the Ocean City Elks Lodge. Citizens are urged to not flush their medication or throw them away. Disposing of medication properly prevents the medication from entering our waterways and landfills.

The Maryland Executive Board Members of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) have hailed this effort as a success in keeping unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the hands of persons who shouldn’t have them as well as out of Maryland coastal bays and waterways.

The program is free and confidential. If you have any questions, please contact the OCPD Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665.