2019_2 Prescription Take Back

On October 26th the Cedar Grove Police Department participated in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. More than one hundred residents turned in unused and expired prescription medications. Det. John Smigelsky oversaw the collection process. The program enabled the public to get rid of unused, unwanted and expired medications properly. Prescription drug abuse is rapidly becoming one of our nation’s greatest emerging drug problems and it is widely recognized that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from home medicine cabinets. In addition to this growing drug problem, unused and expired prescription medications also represent a severe environmental hazard. Most individuals are not aware of methods to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away; both potential safety and health hazards. The program continues to be a success. Pictured is Det. John Smigelsky with the 184 pounds of medications collected ready to be turned in.