Murphy PD schedules no-contact Drug Take Back event

MURPHY (October 7, 2020) While drugs and medications prescribed by a medical professional may be more potent than over-the-counter drugs purchased at a pharmacy, both of these can become ineffective, or even harmful, when they expire or when consumed carelessly.

Similarly, after the ailment or illness for which they were being taken has subsided, the medications are no longer needed. Add to that, tragic results can occur from the curiosity of young children looking into and taking items out of the medicine cabinet.

Disposing of these drugs and medications is clearly necessary, but that can be a problem. To address that, Murphy Police have scheduled a Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Murphy Police Department, 206 North Murphy Road.  

Participants will not be required to exit their vehicles or physically interact with staff when dropping off their medications and drugs. Staff members will accept the medications wearing face coverings and gloves and will conduct the handover in a no-contact manner.  

“Medications can be great when they’re taken properly and for the right reasons,” says Police Lt. Adana Barber. “But, getting rid of them once their usefulness ends can be a problem. That’s why we offer the Drug Take Back events, providing residents the opportunity to safely dispose of these potentially harmful substances.”  

The free service is designed to provide a place where unwanted or expired drugs can be safely and securely removed from circulation. It also prevents them from being introduced into the water supply. The service is anonymous, as no one will be asked questions regarding the medications. 

The program, however, is not intended for illicit or illegal drugs or paraphernalia. Needles, syringes and pressurized inhalers will not be accepted. 

“These drugs need to be properly disposed of in order to prevent them from being abused,” she said. “Over 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers get them through friends or relatives right out of the family medicine cabinet.” 

Also, people who flush prescription drugs down their toilets or sinks may be placing the community at risk since the contaminated wastewater may eventually find its way back into the system.

For more information on the program, residents may call (972) 468-4210 or send an e-mail to Lt. Barber at abarber@murphytx.org.