Temecula Police Holding Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

News release:

On Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Temecula Police Department, the Southwest Sheriff Station and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide the public the opportunity to prevent medication abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The residents of the city of Temecula and the residents serviced by the Southwest Sheriff Station are encouraged to bring their expired, unused or unwanted medications for disposal to the Southwest Sheriff Station at 30755-A Auld Road, Murrieta, CA. The station is located in the Southwest Justice Center complex in the unincorporated area of Murrieta. The service is free and anonymous.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. 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.

Members of the community should take this opportunity to educate friends and family members about this important program. If you need additional information on this topic, you may contact Lieutenant Robert Moquin of the Southwest Station at 951-696-3000.