Aberdeen Drug Take Back Scheduled for Next Week

Locals are invited to hand over unused and unwanted prescription drugs—no questions asked—to Aberdeen police next week.

In an ongoing effort to combat prescription pill abuse, the township’s police department will collect medications at the Aberdeen Municipal Building, One Aberdeen Square, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, according to a news release issued by Chief John Powers.

“The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked,” the release states.

According to the department, Americans handed in 371 tons—more than 742,000 pounds—of prescription drugs at the 5,800 Operation Take Back sites operated by law enforcement agencies in April.

The Take Back initiative combats what law enforcement calls “a vital public safety and public health issue,” according to the release.

Medications left in home cabinets can be abused and lead to accidental poisonings and overdoses, according to police. Additionally, flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them into the trash can be dangerous.

Law enforcement agencies in total have collected more than 2.8 million pounds of pills over the past six Take Back events held nationwide, according to police.

Questions can be directed to Detective Sgt. Michael O’Dwyer at 732-583-4200 ext. 202, according to the department. More information is also available online at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.