Takoma Park Police collected 364 pounds of unused or expired medications, it announced following Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
The police department keeps a permanent collection box in its lobby and all those drugs were collected during a six-month period, according to Chief Antonia DeVaul.
The goal is to prevent pill abuse and theft, DeVaul noted in a news release.
Takoma Park police collect prescription and non-prescription drugs, patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and pet medication in its green Med-Return mailbox, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Also collected are vape pens and other e-cigarette devices after the batteries are removed.
The following items are not acceptable, including liquids, inhalers, aerosol cans, regular household ointments/lotions, needles/sharps and/or thermometers.
