Drug Take Back Day: KPD Collects 273 lbs of Prescription Drugs

Life’s Choices Kaua‘i Coordinator Theresa Koki, left, and KPD’s Johnette Chun stand next to the boxes of 273 pounds of prescription medications collected during last Saturday’s Drug Take Back Day at KPD Headquarters in Līhu‘e. Contributed photo

The Kaua‘i Police Department collected 273 pounds in unused or expired prescription medications and other drugs during its 15^th annual Drug Take Back Day last Saturday, April 28, according to a county press release.

“The rising abuse of prescription medications, which often leads to further addictions, is a very serious concern both nationally and right here at home,” KPD Deputy Chief Michael Contrades said. “By providing a safe means to dispose of these medications, Drug Take Back Day is one way that law enforcement agencies and our community partners are working to prevent drug misuse on Kaua‘i.”

The Kaua‘i Police Department and Life’s Choices Kaua‘i coordinated the event.

Drug Take Back Day is part of a national initiative led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, which focuses on providing a safe, convenient, and responsible method of disposing of medications, while also educating the community about the potential for abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal. DEA and law enforcement are authorized agencies to collect and dispose of the controlled substances.

For more information on the National Take Back Initiative, visit www.dea.gov or contact KPD Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce at 241-1681, or Theresa Koki of Life’s Choices, 241-4925.