NORWICH – From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, the Norwich Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its eighth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The public is encouraged to bring any pills for disposal to the Norwich Police at the rear of the police station at 18 East Main Street in downtown Norwich.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 324 tons (more than 647,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 4,114 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners.

“The Norwich Police accepted over 100 pounds at the last take back day,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Those with questions can call the Norwich Police at 334-1212.