As part of the statewide U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take Back Program, the Cape Girardeau Police Department will be hosting a take back eventlater this week. According to the DEA, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 6.4 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2015.
Lieutenant over special operations at the police department, Bradley Smith says they participate in the event to protect citizens and the environment.
“We think it’s so important that people give us their medications so they don't get in the hands of children, or they don't get in the hands of someone who might abuse them, and we don't want to pollute our local streams of waters and lakes by people flushing them down the toilet.”
With the exception of liquids or needles, they will be accepting any medications that you no longer need, and the drop-off process will be anonymous. Once drugs are taken, they will be placed into a sealed box that will be turned over to the DEA and destroyed.
Lt. Smith also says if you do have medications at home, make sure they’re in a childproof container, and where others cannot reach or find. The event will take place in the parking lot at West Park Mall close to Steak n Shake, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28.
The Perryville Police Department will also be hosting a drug take back event on this day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their office on Jackson Street in Perryville.
If you cannot attend the drug take back event on Saturday, the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Jackson Police Department, and Cape County Sheriff’s Department have containers in their lobbies, which are open 24 hours a day, every day of the week.