Local authorities, in conjunction with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, installed the drop box in the lobby of the Gainesville Justice Center last December.
According to Corporal Kevin Holbrook with the Gainesville Police Department, the drop box has collected nearly 20 pounds of unwanted, unused or expired medication in just over a month's time.
Holbrook said the drop box is meant to prevent unauthorized individuals, especially young people, from gaining access to the medications while also preventing damage to the environment through improper disposal. He added: "These are prescription drugs that could have easily fallen into the wrong hands. Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common [sic] utilized drugs among young people, possibly even more common than marijuana."
The program's success has garnered positive feedback from community members, with the initial results prompting other police agencies to inquire about starting their own programs, Holbrook said.
The drop box is expected to remain as part of the police's arsenal in combating drug use.
"It should be here for many years to come, and we're hoping it does effectively help us get drugs off the street and get them out of the hands of young people," Holbrook said.
Medications can be deposited in the drop box between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. The Gainesville Justice Center is located at 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville, Georgia, 30501.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/2/258450