Kauai Police Department to host Drug Take Back Day on October 26

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Kauai Police Department (KPD) is teaming up with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to host a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at KPD headquarters, located at 3990 Kaana Street in Lihue.

This event offers community members a safe and easy way to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications through an anonymous drive-thru drop-off service on the east side of the building.

The event will accept a variety of medications, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and patches, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter. Needles and syringes—both new and used—will not be accepted.

Best of all, this service is free and completely anonymous—no questions will be asked.

This initiative is part of a national campaign by the DEA designed to provide a secure method for disposing of medications while raising awareness about the risks of drug misuse and the importance of proper storage and disposal.

Improperly discarded medications can harm the environment and potentially contaminate water supplies, endangering aquatic life.

Additionally, unused medications in homes can lead to misuse or abuse; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family.

Now in its 15th year, the DEA’s Drug Take Back Initiative has collected over 53,000 pounds of prescription medications across Hawaii. In the last event held in April, more than 3,200 pounds were turned in at collection sites statewide.

For those who can’t make it to Drug Take Back Day, KPD headquarters has a permanently installed medication dropbox available for anonymous disposal of unused or expired medications at any time.

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For more information about the National Drug Take Back Initiative, visit the DEA’s website or contact KPD Criminal Investigations Division Captain Darren Rose at 808-241-1696.