Traverse City Record-Eagle

Well-Being

September 23, 2010

Unused, expired drugs can be taken back

State Police posts handle effort, no questions asked

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

TRAVERSE CITY — In an effort to keep drugs from falling into the wrong hands, the Department of Justice is holding an anonymous "Take-Back Day."

Expired, unwanted or unused drugs can be dropped off at a number of Michigan State Police posts between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25.

Among the items that will be accepted are prescription and over-the-counter medications, including tablets and capsules.

Items that won't be accepted include intravenous solutions, injectables, needles, marijuana and methamphetamine.

The intent is to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs in a safe way that keeps them out of the wrong hands — and out of the water system.

The federal Drug Enforcement Agency will collect and destroy the drugs; the service is free.

Drop-off sites in the region include:

• Michigan State Police Traverse City Post, 218 W. 14th St.

• Michigan State Police Kalkaska Post, 2089 N. Birch Road.

• Michigan State Police Cadillac Post, 7711 S. U.S. 131.

• Michigan State Police Manistee Post, 212 Arthur.

• Michigan State Police Petoskey Post, 1200 M-119.

• State Police posts in East Tawas, West Branch, Reed City, Cheboygan, Alpena and Houghton Lake.

"Prescription-drug abuse is the nation's fastest-growing drug problem," said Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy. " ... Take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat."

For more information or to see if additional collection sites have been added, go to www.dea.gov.

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