Claremont Police Participating in National Drug Take Back

The Claremont Police Department will partner with other agencies once again in offering free services to take unwanted and unused medication during the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and government, community, public health and law enforcement partners will hold the event Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites throughout Southern California. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

You can drop off your unwanted pills inside the front lobby of the Claremont Police Department, Saturday, September 29, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The Claremont Police Department is located at 570 West Bonita Ave., Claremont CA 91711.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high--more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, halogens, and heroin combined.

"The Prescription Drug Take-Back program provides area residents with a safe way to dispose of their unwanted medication," said Timothy J. Landrum, DEA Special Agent in Charge. "Unused or expired medications are a public safety issue, and can lead to accidental poisoning, overdoes and abuse. That is why we are committed to helping keep homes in our communities safe."

If you have any questions regarding this program, call the Claremont Police Department at (909) 399-5411.