Got Drugs? National Drug Take Back Day Comes to Moon and Robinson

Police in Moon Township receive two to three complaints a week reporting missing or stolen prescription medications, said Chief Leo McCarthy.  

"People actually steal prescription drugs," McCarthy said. "People do take them and use them, or sell them. We've had many cases right here in this community where people go out and sell them. It happens all the time." 

McCarthy said rising abuse of prescription medications makes proper disposal of the drugs all the more crucial. 

"And sometimes you will have people who report a prescription lost or missing only to receive more drugs," McCarthy said. "Sometimes there is a need for the medication, but sometimes even the complaint is a ploy." 

Police in Moon and Robinson will again host prescription Drug Take Back Day, a national Drug Enforcement Administration initiative. 

Residents can drop off unused or expired medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at either the Moon Township Public Safety Building, at 1000 Beaver Grade Road, or the Robinson Police Station, at 100 Church Hill Road.

No identification is required and no specific packaging method is required for pills. Participants will hand medications to police dispatchers. 

"It's no questions asked," McCarthy said. 

DEA agents will collect the drugs for proper disposal. 

In addition to the risk of abuse or theft, McCarthy said throwing away old drugs carries environmental hazards. 

"There is on prohibition, people can do what they want," he said. "But if you are flushing a large quantity of medications, that can get into the water system." 

McCarthy said Drug Take Back Day has been a popular initiative in Moon. 

"It's a nice program," he said. "You would think the interest would diminish over time, but each time we've seen more involvement."