Northeast News
Sept. 24, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City Police Department is joining forces with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor a drug take-back event Saturday, Sept. 26.

Police will be at locations throughout the city, with one in the Northeast, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. to collect unused prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Drugs can be handed over to police, no questions asked. Police will not track who turns in what. All types of drugs will be accepted from individuals with the exception of needles, injectables, and aerosols/inhalers. Excess medication from businesses such as pharmacies, hospitals and physicians will not be accepted. The drugs will be incinerated.

Kansas City Police collected 617 pounds of drugs at last September’s take-back event. Nationwide, more than 309 tons of drugs were turned in that day. Turning the in drugs prevents diversion, misuse and abuse. According to the DEA, studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

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. The Kansas City, Mo., locations where people can drop off the drugs are:
• Walgreens – 5400 Independence Ave.
• MainCor Parking Lot – 3215 Main St.
• Price Chopper – 8430 Wornall Rd.
• North Patrol Division – 1001 NW Barry Rd.
• Shoal Creek Patrol Division – 6801 NE Pleasant Valley Rd.
• South Patrol Division – 9701 Marion Park Dr.

For more information, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.