DEA taking back unwanted Rx drugs
Published: September 29, 2012
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
Daily News Photo by LOU MATTEI A law enforcement official collects prescription drugs.
ST. THOMAS - Anyone with unwanted prescription or over-the-counter drugs can turn them in today - no questions asked - at a number of sites throughout the territory.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
- On St. Thomas at the Frenchtown Post Office.
- On St. Croix at the Gallows Bay Post Office, Richmond Post Office, Kingshill Post Office and Frederiksted Post Office.
- On St. John at the National Park Welcome Center.
Local and federal officers will be available to assist with the disposal.
Eric Barnard, resident agent in charge of the DEA's St. Thomas office, said the Frenchtown site already has collected about 15 pounds of drugs at an unmanned box posted there since earlier this month. That is almost triple the amount collected during the entire operation last year, he said.
"It's already better than last year," Barnard said. "It's a good thing. I think the info is getting out there."
In an earlier interview, Barnard stressed that prescription drugs taken without a doctor's supervision can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs. He also warned that drugs that sit around in medicine cabinets or get thrown away still can be harmful if children or animals find a way to get them.
He said today's event is a safe way to get rid of unwanted pills with no questions asked. Once collected, the drugs are destroyed by incineration.
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
