News 11’s Adonis Albright tells us where to stay and why the program is so important
YUMA, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug take-back program this weekend. Law enforcement officials will take unused or expired medications and over-the-counter pills on Saturday.
YPD will hold its event from 10 am to 2 pm at the local police department at 1500 S. 1st Avenue. The residents can drive by in their cars and deliver pills. Officers can also pick up contactless if you put the pills in your trunk and pull up.
YCSO will host an event on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YCSO Foothills Substation at 13190 E. South Frontage Rd.
Related: YPD partners with DEA for a drug withdrawal event
“If you have leftover medication for prescriptions you had, even over-the-counter pain relievers, if you have leftover, expired medication, bring it in and we will dispose of it properly. That’s the important part so it doesn’t get into the hands of children or people who shouldn’t get it, “said YPD Sergeant Lori Franklin.
Because of the pandemic, the event was suspended last year. In 2020, Yuma County reported 544 drug-related incidents – a county law enforcement agency plans to contain the program. Over the past few years, the department also had multiple drop-off points at grocery stores around town, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Fry’s, but that was scrapped because of the coronavirus as well.
Related: Anti-Drug Coalition Prepares for Prescription Withdrawal Day
YPD tells News 11 that the National Guard will also be at the Yuma Police Department to educate the public about drugs and the disposal process. The agents will also be handing out information leaflets as well as naloxone, which is typically used to treat drug overdoses.
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