Local agencies host National Take Back Day

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) teamed up to host the National Take Back Day this weekend.

The event started at 10:00 p.m. and took place at the YPD station, located on South First Avenue.

Officer Christina Fernandez, Public Information Officer for YPD, says the event was for people who wanted to get rid of unwanted or expired prescription medication in a safe way.

"We really want the community to take every opportunity they can to come and dispose of their prescription medication safely. We really want to make sure that we're safely disposing of these so that children or other people don't have any access to them in the home," Officer Fernandez explained.

However, they didn't accept liquids, needs or illegal drugs during the event.

Fernandez says 12 boxes were filled during the event.

MCAS Yuma's Drug Demand Reduction Program was also on hand to participate in the event.

No ID was needed and the service was free and anonymous.

According to YPD, the medication drop-off box in the entrance hall of the station has been permanently removed and "additional information will be released once a safe and secure alternative for medication disposal has been established."

In the meantime, they are asking those who want to drop-off unused, unwanted and expired prescription medication to scan the QR code, which is on a poster where the drop-off box used to be, as it provides other locations who have drop-off boxes.

The event lasted until 2:00 p.m.