Oakmont Police Collecting Unwanted Drugs

Oakmont Police are making sure unwanted drugs end up in a safe place.

The department will participate in the Second National Take-Back Initiative on Saturday, April 30, to give residents a place to dispose of medicine.

Residents may bring any unwanted or expired drugs to Rite Aid in Oakmont on the corner of Allegheny River Boulevard and Plum Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when an officer will be present.

Police said drugs, whether controlled or over-the-counter, will be collected with no questions asked. Both solids and liquids are permitted.

Prohibited substances include illicit substances such as marijuana and methamphetamine and instruments such as needles and syringes due to the hazard of blood-borne pathogens.

All participants will have their identities protected and should remove any identifying labels from containers, police said.

"We are asking all of our residents to clean out their cabinets and remove old medicines so they can be disposed of safely and kept out of the hands of those who would use them inappropriately," Chief David DiSanti said.

According to the U.S. Department of Diversion Control, approximately 2,500 teens get high for the first time by using prescription drugs.

The initiative first began last year in September during which more than 121 tons of prescription drugs collected nationwide, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In  Jacksonville, Ill. a woman turned in 50 years worth of medication, officials from the DEA said.

Oakmont Police are urging residents to help senior family members participate for their safety.

Drugs will be disposed of in a way that is safe and environmentally-friendly, police said.

While Congress is entertaining legislation that would allow for permanent drug disposal set-ups, thousands of police departments nationwide are embracing the one-day initiatives, DEA officials said.

For more information visit nationaltakebackday.com.