KPD to host Drug Take Back Day October 26

Published on September 26, 2024

LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Police Department (KPD), in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KPD headquarters, located at 3990 Kaʻana Street in Līhuʻe. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications using the anonymous drive-thru drop-off service available on the east side of the building.

Various forms of medications will be accepted, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and patches, whether prescription or nonprescription. Please note that needles and syringes, whether new or used, will not be accepted.

This service is completely free and anonymous—no questions will be asked.

This initiative is part of a national campaign led by the DEA aimed at providing a secure and responsible way to dispose of medications while raising awareness about the risks of drug misuse and the importance of proper storage and disposal.

Improperly discarded medications can harm the environment and potentially enter the water supply, endangering aquatic life. Additionally, unused medications in homes pose a significant risk of misuse or abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most individuals who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends or family.

Now in its 15th year, the DEA’s Drug Take Back Initiative has successfully collected over 53,000 pounds of prescription medications across the state. During the last event in April, more than 3,200 pounds were turned in at collection sites throughout Hawai‘i.

For those unable to participate in Drug Take Back Day, KPD headquarters offers a permanently installed medication dropbox for anonymous disposal of unused or expired medications at any time.

For more information about the National Drug Take Back Initiative, visit the DEA’s website at www.dea.gov or contact KPD Criminal Investigations Division Captain Darren Rose at 808-241-1696.

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