Murrieta Police to Host Presciption Drug Take Back Day

To help combat prescription drug abuse, the Murrieta Police Department will host a drop-off location as part of the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

"The police department is working with the U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Agency on this take back initiative program," said Murrieta police Lt. Tony Conrad in a news release.

The first-ever National Take Back Day was held Sept. 25, 2010, as a cooperation between the DEA and 3,000 local and state law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. 

"Last year, the DEA's national take back initiative program recovered 121 tons of dangerous medication from U.S. homes and educated the public on the dangers of unused and expired prescription medications," Conrad said.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, according to a information provided about the collaborative effort.

More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

A Murrieta officer and a DEA agent will be present to accept unused and expired medications from the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 in the front lobby of the , 24701 Jefferson Ave.

Questions can be directed to Lt. Tony Conrad at 951-461-6309.  Visit www.dea.gov for more information on the program.