SVPD Wants Your Unwanted Drugs

The Scotts Valley Police Department, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and Drug Enforcement Agency are joining together to give the community the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

On April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Scotts Valley Police Department, 1 Civic Center Dr., will accept controlled, non-controlled and over-the-counter medications at a drop box in the lobby. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Keeping expired or unused medicine can be dangerous as people can mistake one medication for another, especially if the names of the medications are close, according to the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, having excess medications stored in homes can provide the opportunity for curious youths to experiment with dangerous drugs with serious consequences.

Sharpies and syringes will not be accepted because of the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens. Illegal substances, such as marijuana and methamphetamine, are not part of the program and should not be placed in the collection boxes.

Americans participating in DEA’s three previous Take-Back Days turned in nearly a million pounds—almost 500 tons—of prescription drugs at over 5,300 sites operated by more than 4,000 of the DEA’s state and local law enforcement partners, according to the DEA.

“Prescription drug abuse is a major epidemic across the country and the DEA is committed to reducing the potential for misuse by providing a safe and secure method for Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of unwanted, unneeded, or expired medications,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “This nationwide community effort prevents home medicine cabinets from becoming sources of dangerous–and even deadly–drugs.”

In addition to the SVPD drop off, the public can find other nearby collection sites by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database, where they enter their zip code.