Yellow Jug Old Drug
Program successfully collected unused prescription drugs in ’09Sean Harkins
With over 4,150 doses of prescription drugs collected in the last six months, area law enforcement officials are calling the Yellow Jug Old Drug program a success in 2009.
Federal guidelines state unused prescription drugs should not be flushed down the toilet or dumped down the drain because they affect water quality. Because of strict guidelines, pharmacies cannot take back the drugs.
Huron Undercover Narcotics Team Commander Detective Lt. Rick Schultz said HUNT was approached by Yellow Jug Old Drug Program Director Chris Angel to partner on the project and help collect the unwanted narcotics.
Schultz said the program has helped keep the drugs from being used illegally.
"When (a person has) drugs in the cabinets that they're no longer using, they don't monitor it," Schultz said, adding that missing pills could go unnoticed.
The over 4,000 doses collected had a street value of $80,000-$82,000, he said.
He said keeping prescription drugs away from dealers has become more and more of a priority, as prescription drug abuse has grown.
"In Michigan it is the number one (drug problem) ... It's almost like it's legit because it's from a physician," Schultz said.
The collected drugs are documented and eventually destroyed in a process that meets all regulations.
Schultz said HUNT is now networking with area physicians to try and correct the problem of over-prescribing drugs. Physicians will prescribe more doses than is likely needed so a patient doesn't have to receive another prescription. Schultz said while the practice may be convenient, it leads to the problem of unused drugs in bathroom cabinets.
Anyone wishing to properly dispose of their unused prescriptions drugs can call program sponsor Great Lakes Clean Water at 736-8179.
Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.
