Northeast News
October 23, 2013

The Kansas City Police Department is joining with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor a drug take-back event this Saturday.

Police will be at locations throughout the city from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect unused prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Those turning in the medicines won’t even have to get out of their cars. They can just hand the drugs over to police, no questions asked. Police will not track individuals turning in medicine. All forms of medicine (liquids, pills) will be accepted, with the exception of needles. The D.E.A. will incinerate the drugs.

Kansas City Police collected 619 pounds of drugs at the last take-back event in April, more than any other city in Missouri.

Turning in unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to police is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of them.

“Don’t throw them away,” Detective Donie Hoffman said. “There’s a misconception if you put it in cat litter, it will degrade it. That’s not true. If you flush it down the toilet, it gets into our water and ecosystem. … And we don’t want controlled-substance prescription medications getting in the wrong hands.”

Hoffman said families who recently have had loved ones pass away after a prolonged illness could especially  benefit from the drug take-back events. These individuals often are prescribed multiple controlled substances, and the take-back ensures no one else can abuse them.

Locations where people can drop off the drugs are:
•    Walgreens – 5400 Independence Ave.
•    MainCor / Mattress Firm – 3215 Main St.
•    Hen House – 6430 N. Chatham
•    Price Chopper – 8430 Wornall
•    South Patrol Division – 9701 Marion Park Dr.
•    Shoal Creek Patrol Division – 6801 NE Pleasant Valley Rd.

Permanent drop-off boxes are located at the Shoal Creek Patrol Division and North Patrol Division.