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Elizabeth Police join National 'Take Back' Initiative

ELIZABETH — Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest growing drug problem, and take-back events have proven to be a useful tool for reducing the diversion and abuse of medications. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division and the Elizabeth Police Department have partnered for this year’s National Take Back Initiative, to be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Keeping medications out of the wrong hands while opting for their proper disposal will help to keep our communities safer and environment healthier.

In 2010, Operation Take Back New Jersey collected 14,436 pounds of medications in New Jersey alone. Nationwide the program collected 245,500 pounds of unused, unwanted, and expired medications.

This year the Elizabeth Police Department will again participate in this important initiative. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 in the main lobby of the Elizabeth Police Department located at 1 Police Plaza. Residents are encouraged to bring their unused, unwanted, and expired medications to this drop-off location.

The goal of the program is to allow the citizens of Elizabeth to rid their homes of unused, unwanted, or expired medications by turning these medications in to law enforcement officials, who can in turn dispose of these controlled substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner, preventing these pills from falling into the hands of juveniles or into illicit markets.

Those with questions may call Sergeant Linda Lensch at 908-558-2106.