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Mattawa OPP to host prescription drug drop off day

OPP News Release ******************** MATTAWA –– The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have unveiled the details of an important province-wide public safety initiative to encourage Ontario residents to dispose of old and unused prescription medication
Kate Adams
OPP News Release

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MATTAWA –– The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have unveiled the details of an important province-wide public safety initiative to encourage Ontario residents to dispose of old and unused prescription medication in a secure, environmentally-friendly manner.

“Ontarians are among the highest users of prescription medications containing narcotics in the country. The number of deaths has risen due to drug misuse; often, young people will use medications found in their home medicine cabinets to ‘get high’. On May 11, police and medical officials will work together to combat this serious public health threat.” – Commissioner Chris Lewis, Ontario Provincial Police.

Mattawa OPP Detachment will be hosting a collection location on Prescription Drug Drop Off Day on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the OPP Detachment parking lot located at 520 Valois Drive in Mattawa between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Citizens wishing to dispose of outdated, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs may do so anonymously at the location nearest them usually without having to get out of their vehicles.

The Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) prohibits anyone from possessing oxycodone or any other prescribed medication without a prescription. It is a criminal offence to offer or sell a prescribed medication to another person. Purchasing another person’s prescribed drugs is also illegal. Prescription drug misuse is the use of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Common prescription drugs being misused are opioid pain relievers (such as oxycodone), anti-depressants, and stimulants. Recent studies indicate 24 per cent of teens reported misusing prescription medications at least once within the previous year. Most of the teens took the medication from their family home.

Prescription Drug Drop-off Day is proudly supported by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), the Ontario Provincial Police, the Government of Ontario, and Public Safety Canada.

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