MSP collects more than 284 pounds of prescription drugs on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Metro North and Metro South Posts both collected a total of 284 pounds of prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held on Saturday, April 30.

The MSP partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe, convenient and responsible venue for disposing of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

All 29 MSP posts participated in the one-day effort collecting a total of 1,189 pounds of prescription drugs.

Anyone who was not able to participate on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day can anonymously surrender their unused and unwanted medications for destruction at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.