YPD teams up with DEA for drug takeback event

Officers and agents will collect unwanted prescription drugs

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will team up next weekend to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft. Officers and agents will collect unwanted, unused and expired pharmaceuticals during a take back event.

YPD says unused prescriptions in home medicine cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. The abuse of these types of drugs is skyrocketing across the country, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses associated with pharmaceuticals.

Police cite recent studies showing a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends. Often pills are taken from home medicine cabinets.

Saturday's event give Yuma-area residents a quick, easy, and safe way to dispose of such drugs. All you have to do is drive up, and drop off your prescriptions.