NEWS RELEASE 18-172 - OCTOBER 25, 2018
Law enforcement agencies throughout Sarasota County will participate in the Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) national event to properly dispose of turned-in prescription medications on Saturday, October 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has permanent drop boxes at the sheriff’s office headquarters, 6010 Cattleridge Blvd., Sarasota, and the south county office, 4531 State Road 776, Venice, which are both open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.
The Sarasota, Venice, and North Port Police Departments also have permanent drop boxes in each of their lobbies and will be participating in the event. The New College Police Department, 501 College Drive, will also accept unused and expired medication.
Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medication such as tablets and capsules are accepted. Liquids and needles will not qualify. While boxes at each location are available to the public year-round, agencies participate in the national turn-in initiative to publicize the permanent option for proper disposal. Medication turn-in is always anonymous.
Drug turn-in events address a vital public safety and public health issue. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. Proper disposal of medication is also safer for the environment.