Crime & Safety

Unwanted Medication Collection Slated for Saturday

Manchester and Lakehurst police will participate in the initiative

Local police will again collect unwanted and unneeded prescription medications during Operation Take Back Saturday.

Manchester residents turned in 713 pounds of prescription medications last year, the most of any municipality in New Jersey, said Manchester police Capt. Lisa Parker. Agencies from around the state, including Manchester and Lakehurst, will again accept medications on April 28 at various local drop off spots. 

Chief of Police Brian Klimakowski said that he was "thrilled" by the turnout last April. 

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"I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome," he said. "I'm appreciative of everyone who participated."

The initiative is important because of the problems that unused medications present to the community, the chief said.

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"Prescription drug abuse has skyrocketed and this is a common way for people who have this type of problem to get these medications," Klimakowski said.

Throughout New Jersey last year 12,000 pounds were collected, according to the New Jersey Drug Enforcement Administration. 

In addition to the , those wanting to participate can bring unwanted medications to the following locations on April 28 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.:

  • , 21 Colonial Dr.
  • Ocean County Library, Whiting Reading Center, 400 Lacey Rd.
  • Manchester Plaza, 1001 Route 70
  • Whiting Shopping Center, 108 Lacey Rd.

In Lakehurst, Mayor Harry Robbins said that the operation will be held at the from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"This will allow the residents the opportunity to prevent the medication from contaminating the environment and prevent it from falling into the hands of children or abusers," he said in his mayor's column last week. "Syringes and other sharp objects will not be accepted."


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