Yates Sheriff announces ‘take back’ drug program

Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike announces a partnership again with the DEA to participate in the Nationwide Prescription Drug “Take-Back” Day for the collection of unused prescription drugs at “free” drop-off site Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10AM – 2PM at the rear of Yates County Courthouse at 415 Liberty Street, in Penn Yan, NY.During this initiative Sheriff’s deputies will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at this site, free and anonymously, no questions asked. This is a “drive-thru” type event.“This partnership with DEA is important for the community as our goal is to prevent increased pill abuse, misuse and theft, while addressing a vital public safety and health issue, and preventing the environmental issue of flushing drugs down the toilet” said Sheriff Spike, “The misuse of narcotics and stimulants and some prescribed sedatives are a growing problem.”The first national take-back day, held in September 2010, was a success, and deputies collected over 75 pounds of prescriptions meds filling almost four thirty gallon trash bags during the four hour period. All drugs collected were taken by the DEA for immediate legal destruction. “The DEA is making a nationwide effort once again and the Sheriff’s Office is glad to partner with them,” said Spike “This is a great opportunity for those who missed the first event, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.”