Local Police to Participate in National Take Back Initiative

COURT HOUSE – The Wildwood, Lower Township and Cape May Police Departments, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (IDEA), New Jersey Division, would like to invite the general public to participate in this year’s National Take Back Initiative on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011.
The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription medications are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
In an effort to address this problem, the Drug Enforcement Agency, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the State of New Jersey, are launching the Take Back Initiative. The goal of the program is to allow citizens of New Jersey to rid their homes of unused, unwanted, or expired medications by turning them in to law enforcement officials who in turn can dispose of these controlled dangerous substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. This initiative prevents these medications from falling into the hands of juveniles or into the illicit market in our communities.
Last year over 400 Law Enforcement Agencies in New Jersey helped to collect over 14,436 pounds of Prescription and over the counter medicine collected.
The program is anonymous and individuals disposing of medications will not be required to produce identification.
Residents may dispose of medication either in its original container or by removing medication from its container and disposing directly into the drug disposal box located at the police department. If the original container is submitted, residents are encouraged to remove the prescription label if it contains any personal identifying information.
Liquid products, such as cough medicines, should remain sealed in their original containers. Syringes and other sharp instruments will not be accepted.
The event is sponsored by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and The State Attorney General’s Office in cooperation with the New Jersey National Guard.
Operation Take Back will be available in the City of Wildwood on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011, from 10:00 a.m., to 2:00 p.m., at the Wildwood Police Department, 4400 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood, New Jersey 08260. Tel. no. (609) 522-0222.
Operation Take Back will be available in Cape May on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An officer will be in the Cape May City Hall auditorium (643 Washington Street) during this time for citizens to come in anonymously and turn in prescription drugs, which will be turned over to the DEA for destruction.
Operation Take Back will be available at the Lower Township Police Department on Sat., Oct. 29, 2011 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.