According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 in 9 teens have abused prescription drugs. Often these medications are found in the home. That’s why the Southlake Police Department participates in the bi-annual Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day.
This year the DEA’s Drug Take Back program was held on Saturday, September 26th. Many Southlake citizens took advantage of the DEA’s program by bringing in their old or unused prescriptions to our DPS Headquarters.
The DEA’s program works so well that in June of 2013 the Southlake Police Department created it’s own Drug Take Back program and made it available at DPS Headquarters, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants are able to come to the second floor lobby at 600 State Street and drop off their unused or old prescription medication. It’s simple and secure. Medications are dropped into a sealed bag and then tossed into a secure safe that closes automatically. Our drug enforcement officer is responsible for removing the contents and securing them into our property room until destruction.
Following Saturdays’ DEA Drug Take Back initiative Southlake residents surrendered 177 pounds of prescription drugs. Since 2013 residents have surrendered 475 pounds of prescription drugs.
Not only are residents making their homes safer by getting rid of unused and old prescriptions, but also these medications are being disposed of properly so they don’t end up in lakes and streams causing toxicity to fish and wildlife or end up back into our water systems.
If you missed the National Drug Enforcement Drug Take Back day – do not worry. You can drop off your unused or old prescriptions M-F from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second floor of DPS Headquarters located at 600 State Street.
Instructions on how to use SLPD’s Drug Take Back Program
You will find the secure safe located in the lobby of DPS Headquarters. Here’s what you need to know:
If you have further questions about the program please feel free to contact us at (817) 748-8923.