Full Notification

The white mailboxes in front of the Sheriff's Norwalk Station are not for depositing letters or packages.

Instead, the three containers are for residents who want to dispose of expired or unused prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, syringes and any other controlled substances.

It's part of the Sheriff's Department's "Safe Drug Drop-Off" program.

"This is a great way for residents of the cities of Norwalk and La Mirada and the unincorporated areas of (Whittier) served by our station to safely dispose of unwanted narcotics, prescription medicines and syringes," Capt. Patrick Maxwell said. "It is completely anonymous."

Sheriff Lee Baca kicked off the program last month at the Lomita Station. Turning in drugs keeps harmful substances out of the natural environment. "The practice of flushing medicines down the drain can have an adverse impact on aquatic life," said Lt. Jeff Scroggin, who is heading the station's program.

He also said syringes, whether from illegal drug use or for legitimate medical purposes, end up on beaches, where they become a hazard.

"It's dangerous for children who may access these medications and needles," Scroggin said.

He likened the "Safe Drug Drop-Off" to the department's "Gifts for Guns" program, which encourages the public to turn in firearms for gift cards.

"They both help to get rid of potentially dangerous things in their homes," Scroggin said.

The mailboxes are outfitted with a lock covered by a metal flap.

"We feel with their location in front of the station and the lock, they are properly secured," Scroggin said.

The Norwalk Station, 12335 Civic Center Drive, is one of five sheriff's stations with drop-off containers.