The Jefferson City Police Department has recently purchased and installed a permanent prescription and over-the-counter drug drop box in the lobby of Police Headquarters at 401 Monroe St.
The department is joining a growing list of police agencies in Missouri that is providing a secure location where citizens can dispose of unwanted, expired or unused medications in an environmentally safe manner throughout the year.
During the past three years the department and numerous other law enforcement agencies in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have held take back efforts to prevent prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse in Missouri.
While the take back events provide opportunities to raise awareness and promote safe disposal of medications, authorities believe the permanent drop box will provide a continuous opportunity to dispose of unwanted, expired, and unused medications.
According to the DEA, research shows that currently many unwanted or expired household and prescription medications are being improperly discarded including flushing the drugs down toilets or putting them into the garbage.
Also, 70% of teens who abuse prescription drugs say they get them from family and friends.
The medications collected from the drop box will be turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.
An informational flyer is attached to the box listing what is accepted and what is prohibited.