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Take-back day prime opportunity to dispose of old drugs

Although it may not be widely known, police and others involved in law enforcement — especially activities related to drug investigations — tell us that the first place many addicts obtain dope isn’t the stereotypical street corner pusher but the family medicine cabinet.

It’s not uncommon for unused prescription drugs, especially opioids and similar substances, to find their way into the hands of abusers who ingest or peddle the same.

That’s why public drug take backs, like the one going on Saturday at various locations across the region, state and nation under National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, are so important.

“Use these take-back days as a reminder to be aware of what’s in your home that could cause harm to either yourself or other individuals,” Michigan State Police Eighth District Commander Capt. John Halpin, said for a Mining Journal story on the issue. “When it’s pertaining to medications that aren’t used anymore, really take a good look at it. If they’re not used, or if there’s stuff that’s been in your medicine cabinet too long, take the initiative to get rid of it the proper way.”

And it couldn’t be easier to do just that, get rid of them. Just walk into one of the participating agencies and deposit them into a provided container. Capt. Halpin said no questions will be asked.

Officials ask residents to not flush or otherwise dispose the drugs casually as this can cause environmental contamination. The last time one of these take-back events was held, in October, hundreds of pounds of old prescription drugs, certainly in the tens of thousands of pills, were collected.

Here is a listing of departments and times drugs can be dropped off Saturday as it appeared in the Journal story on the matter.

All 30 Michigan State Police posts, including the Negaunee post, will be participating in the take-back day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Marquette City Police Department, the Chocolay Township Police Department, the Negaunee City Police Department, the Ishpeming City Police Department, and the Forsyth Township Police Department will also participate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

We sincerely hope residents avail themselves to the opportunity. It could make all the difference.

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