On Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department will once again partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration  (DEA) for a National Drug Take-Back Initiative.

This is an opportunity to give the public a chance to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Residents and citizens are asked to bring pills for disposal to the front lobby of the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps; only pills or patches). The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.  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.

The Sarasota Police Department also has a permanent drop-box in the lobby at Sarasota Police Headquarters at 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota, that can be accessed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

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