Drug drop off efforts pay off for public safety

Police, Pharmacies Across Ontario Collect Leftover Medications

TORONTO, May 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Police across Ontario collected more than 1,542 kilograms (3,400 pounds) of unused and expired prescription medications on May 11 during a province-wide prescription drop-off day.

Under the leadership of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), a province-wide Prescription Drug Drop Off Day was held in dozens of community-accessible locations on Saturday, May 11. Although tabulations are still being finalized, the OACP is congratulating police, pharmacists, health care workers, and members of the public for coming together to keep medications from being illegally distributed or entering the eco-system. There were over 1,500 visits to the 104 collection sites province wide.

"Working with key community stakeholders, including pharmacists, and public health officials, it just goes to show you what police continue to do to keep our communities safe and preserve the environment," said Chief Steve Tanner, Halton Regional Police Service and President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Prescription Drug Drop-off Day was proudly supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Health Canada, and Public Safety Canada.

Ontarians are reminded that they can return any unwanted or outdated prescription medications back to their local pharmacy for safe and secure disposal at any time.

The Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits anyone from possessing oxycodone or any other prescribed medication without a prescription. It is a criminal offence to offer or sell a prescribed medication to another person. Purchasing another person's prescribed drugs is also illegal. Prescription drug misuse is the use of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Common prescription drugs being misused are opioid pain relievers (such as oxycodone), anti-depressants, and stimulants. Recent studies indicate 24 per cent of teens reported misusing prescription medications at least once within the previous year. Most of the teens took the medication from their family home.

Prescription drug drop off locations:

Participating Municipal Police Service and Locations
http://www.oacp.ca/content/news/article.html?ID=1394

Participating Ontario Provincial Police Detachments
http://www.oacp.ca/content/news/article.html?ID=1395

SOURCE: Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

Joe Couto
Director of Government Relations & Communications
T. [phone] ext. 22
C. [phone]
E. [email protected]

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