Full Notification

On April 27, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Benicia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Benicia Police Department at 200 East L Street. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This will be the fifth time the Benicia Police Department has participated in this event.

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.
“This is yet another service the Police Department provides to this community”, Benicia Police Lieutenant Frank Hartig said. “As studies have shown, family, and friends unknowingly provide prescription medications to minors who steal them to either use or sell. The Benicia Police Department has seen this happen in our community. This proactive program provides those with unused prescription medications a safe and legal way to dispose of them. We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The partnership between the Police Department’s Youth Action Coalition and the Solano County Board of Supervisors Reducing Rates-Drug Free Communities grant funding has made it possible to advertise this important program. “We want to make sure the community is aware of this service and encourage them to take advantage of this pro-active opportunity.” states Benicia Police Department Community Service Officer and Youth Action Coalition Coordinator, Patti Baron.

For further information on this press release, contact Lt. Frank Hartig at (707) 746-4259 or via e-mail. Patti Baron can be reached at (707) 746-4268 or via email at pbaron@ci.benicia.ca.us.