Over the past 4 years the Council Bluffs Police Department has participated with the Drug Enforcement Agencies semi-annual (fall & spring) sponsored prescription drug take back program. This year’s fall event on Saturday, September 27th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Walgreens at 535 E. Broadway. Saturday’s event produced 355 pounds of prescription drugs and over the counter medications dropped off by 157 from vehicles or by people.

The Council Bluffs Police Department says they deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to drop off items during the event. In each case it prevents the accidental or intentional use of these medications for non-intended uses.

Since 2010, while participating in a total of 10 events, the Council Bluffs Police Department has collected over 3,000 pounds of prescription drugs and over the counter medications with over 1,750 vehicles driving through the collection sites to surrender these unwanted drugs. Authorities say those results were only possible with the collaboration of several community organizations and volunteers within the community who have assisted in this endeavor.

Beginning October 9, 2014, the DEA will authorize various pharmacies and hospitals that are registered with them to collect unwanted medications/prescriptions from the public. That change should make it easier for citizens to drop off medications and prescription drugs like these at their convenience, instead of on specific dates and locations. As of this date the DEA is still working to identify those pharmacies in Council Bluffs that will collect the unwanted drugs.

Officials encourage the public to go to the DEA website at www.dea.gov to find a location close to them.