By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — The Lambertville City Police Department has become the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ newest partner in the Project Medicine Drop program.
Under the program, both residents and non-residents may dispose of unused or expired medications anonymously, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at the new drop box in the lobby of Police Headquarters, 349 N. Main St., Lambertville.
Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said the drop box is accessible weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
At all other times, those wishing to dispose of medications will be provided access by reaching an officer via the call box located next to the entrance door to headquarters.
”The importance of this resource cannot be overstated as prescription drug abuse is a growing epidemic that results in an estimated 15,000 deaths annually in this country,” the director said.
”We have received many inquiries from people wishing to dispose of unused or expired medications in a way that is both environmentally safe and ensures that the drugs will not get into the wrong hands. This program will absolutely accomplish those goals,” said Mayor David Del Vecchio.
The program provides a safe, secure and convenient way to dispose of prescription drugs. It also helps prevent addiction, harmful overdoses and accidental death.
”Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to theft and misuse. Even if we keep only a few pills from ending up at pill parties or in our waterways, this effort will have served a valuable purpose,” said City Councilman Wardell Sanders.
The DEA has reported that prescription drugs, including opioids and antidepressants, account for more overdose deaths than illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.
The Project Medicine Drop program, introduced in 2011, is fashioned after the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s “National Take Back Initiative,” an annual campaign that offers medication disposal to the public on selected dates each year.
