Project: Drug Drop Zone has successful first week
KINGSPORT – The Kingsport Police Departments Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit is pleased to announce that Project: Drug Drop Zone has had an extremely successful first week in operation. The goals of this medication take-back initiative are to keep drugs off the street, prevent overdoses and accidental poisonings, and avoid environmental contamination. This program consists of a secure prescription drug collection drop-off box, located in the lobby of the Kingsport Police Department – Justice Center located at 200 Shelby Street in Kingsport. The box was installed one week ago on Friday, January 27, 2012. During just the first week, 50 pounds of medication were deposited into the box. A photograph of this medication is attached to this press release. The drop box is accessible to the public 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Citizens may drop off any leftover, unwanted, or expired medication, which will then be properly disposed of by the Kingsport Police Department. Items that can be placed in the drug drop box include non-narcotics, narcotics, over the counter (OTC), herbals, and veterinary medications. Items that should not be placed in the box include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs. For additional information or questions concerning Project: Drug Drop Zone, please contact the Kingsport Police Departments Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit at (423) 229-9433 or ThomasMPatton@KingsportTN.gov.