Initiative takes drugs out of homes

Gerard P. McAleer, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division, and Angelo M. Valente, the executive director of the Partnership for a Drug- Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), announced on Nov. 18 that more than 9,000 pounds of medicine, with a street value of more than $35 million, was collected during Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey, the first in the nation statewide day of disposal of unused, unwanted and expired medicine.

This statewide effort is being spearheaded by the DEA New Jersey Division, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the PDFNJ, with partnership and support by many other local and statewide prevention and enforcement organizations.

According to a press release, more than 440 local police departments and sheriff's departments, in all of New Jersey's 21 counties, hosted collection sites where New Jersey residents came out in force to support Operation Medicine Cabinet and rid their homes of unused, unwanted, and expired medicines on Nov. 14, clearing their homes of more than 9,000 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

McAleer said, "This initiative reduced the availability of prescription drugs that could have been abused by our family members and friends. Approximately 3.5 million pills have been voluntarily discarded and properly disposed, with the assistance of community members, law enforcement agencies, and prevention and treatment organizations throughout the state."

"Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey accomplished two main goals — first and foremost, it generated unprecedented attention to the issue of prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse, and secondly, it caused tens of thousands of New Jersey residents to look at their medicine cabinets as a potential source for young people to access highly addictive and deadly drugs," said Valente.

According to the press release, based on the overwhelming response and success of Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey, the program organizers are currently planning on expanding the program to other states throughout the country.