On Saturday, April 27th, the Everett Police Department participated in the annual “DEA Prescription Drug Take Back” program. The purpose of the program is to encourage residents to turn in unused prescription medications so that they can be disposed of properly. The collected drugs are then turned over to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and they are then destroyed.
As in previous years, the event was a huge success with Everett residents turning in over 1000 tablets and other forms of prescription drugs including the drug Oxycodone, which is highly addictive and often sought after on the street.
Everett Police Officers were available on hand in the police station lobby to receive the prescription medications with no questions asked. As a reminder, residents can always bring their unused medications to the Everett Police Station and drop them off in the prescription drug mailbox which is permanently located in the lobby. The drop box can handle all unused medications with the exception of liquids.
Chief Steve Mazzie stated that “Prescription drug abuse continues to be the nation’s fastest growing drug problem. This event is highly successful and worth while because it helps to eliminate a major source of abused prescription drugs and reduces the hazards they pose to our families and the community.”