Police departments across the Southcoast region are joining with departments across the nation to host a drug take-back day this weekend. On Saturday, area residents can drop off prescription and over-the-counter medications at local police stations, with no questions asked.

New Bedford Police Lt. Amos Melo tells WBSM News the event serves an important purpose. "If we can get all of these expired and even not-expired pharmaceuticals that people aren't using out of their households, the chances of them getting into the hands of a young individual or someone with an addiction would be a lot less," said Lt. Melo.

Lt. Melo says New Bedford hosts drug take-back days about every six months, and the results are astonishing. "In September of 2015, we as a department here in New Bedford, we took in 155.5 pounds of expired prescriptions. The state took in a total of 24,429 pounds." Melo says this year, the haul has been even more plentiful. "This year, in April, New Bedford took in 179 pounds and the state took in a total of 25,000 pounds."

In New Bedford, you can dispose of an unused or unwanted medication from 9am to 2pm at the Police Department Headquarters at Rockdale Avenue. Fall River, Taunton, Westport, Middleborough, Somerset, and Wareham police departments are also taking part in the National Drug Take-Back Day event.

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