INDIANAPOLIS – In an attempt to end drug abuse in Marion County, Indianapolis police unveiled its first prescription drug drop off box Wednesday morning.
IMPD Chief Bryan Roach and representatives of Drug Free Marion County encouraged the public to drop any unused medications into the bin, as they may contribute to the growing rates of prescription drug abuse.
Marion County Superior Court Judge William Nelson agrees, and said drug addictions can begin right at home.
“I am shameful to admit that Brian's pill problem started with one of my own prescriptions, which makes it all the more important that parents realize and take the opportunity to use this program,” said Nelson.
According to the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, 95 percent of children who abuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends.
Once the medications are dropped, officers said they are incinerated and destroyed for free at Energy-from-Waste facility Covanta Indianapolis.
The first drop box was placed at IMPD’s Southeast District building at 1150 S. Shelby Street. Four more boxes will be placed in other districts in the coming months.
