Keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands becomes even easier for citizens who want to properly dispose of their unused medications, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Six convenient Sheriff’s Office locations across Lee County are now available for you to anonymously drop off prescription pills, creams, patches, properly-sealed liquids and inhalers (syringes are prohibited). This newest initiative comes in conjunction with several successful events planned in partnership with retailers and service organizations throughout the year named “Operation Medicine Cabinet.”

So far in 2011, nearly 500,000 prescription medications have been turned in and disposed in an environmentally safe method, Sheriff’s officials said.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, in 2009, 16 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative

for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Drug overdoses and deaths continue to be attributed to the accidental or intentional

misuse by children and adults.

Meanwhile, thieves are more commonly targeting the medicine cabinet to obtain prescription drugs for abuse or illegal distribution.

One of the goals of the program is to reduce access and minimize any detrimental impact to our community.

“Once you’re back to health, it’s easy to forget the medicine is on the shelf, so take the next step and drop it in our box ,” said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott. “It could prevent a tragedy,” he said.

In Lehigh Acres, you can drop off your old prescriptions and meds at the Bravo District Office at 1301 Homestead Road.

The new program is also a means to protect the environment. This way the medicines don’t end up in landfills, sewers or septic systems, Sheriff’s officials said.

The unused drugs are collected by Evidence technicians on a regular basis and disposed in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Citizens will find the collection boxes are prominently marked (see attached photo) and plastic bags are provided for loose items. If depositing an entire prescription bottle, be sure the cap is secure. Liquid medication must be sealed and, again, syringes are not accepted. Drop off hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.