Southcoast Police Departments Accepting Unwanted Drugs This Weekend

NEW BEDFORD - Whether they're prescription or over-the-counter, police departments across the nation are asking people to turn in their unused, unwanted, and expired medications this weekend.

The National Drug Take Back Day looks to cut down on accidental ingestions and drug abuse by having people discard any excess medications they may have.

New Bedford Police Department Spokesman Lt. Amos Melo tells WBSM News sometimes we unwittingly offer up our medications to strangers. "If you have your house for sale, and a realtor is showing your home, and potential buyers are walking through your house — we've all done this. We've opened cabinets and drawers to see what the house has to offer. And there's a potential for people to be taking these prescriptions," said Melo.

New Bedford, along with police departments in Westport, Middleborough, Fall River, Somerset, and Wareham will be accepting drugs, no questions asked, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.