Last year, New Jersey officials collected about 9,500 pounds of medications—prescription and over the counter medications that may have otherwise been sold or used on the black market. This year they hope to surpass that weight with 400 New Jersey towns participating in the sweep.
This Saturday from 10 am to 2pm, drug stores, police stations, and libraries are among the organizations and businesses designated as drop off zones. Citizens are encouraged to bring in any expired or unwanted prescriptions and other medications at this time. The goal is to prevent illegal use of these drugs by people they weren’t intended for.
The availability of prescription drugs has contributed to their growing popularity among illicit drug users. From pain killers to anti anxiety medications, pills are more popular than ever and emergency rooms and police across the country are taking note.
Although Operation Medicine Cabinet was a success in New Jersey, this year the program is going nationwide in what the Drug Enforcement Agency is calling “The National Prescription Drug Take Back” campaign. All told 2,700 locations nationwide will be accepting the unwanted medications.
As this article from NJ.com points out, many kids first dabble in drugs by raiding their parents’ medicine cabinets. Although these drugs may originate from a legitimate, medical need they can quickly be converted for an illegal and dangerous high.
Not only that, but if you are caught in possession of a prescription medication that is not yours, you can be criminally charged. Because of the growing popularity of prescription drug abuse, both police and courts are cracking down on the practice.
Depending on the drug and how it is classified within the New Jersey penal code, you could spend years behind bars for just a possession charge. While that isn’t likely, it’s possible.
Luckily, if you face a drug possession charge in New Jersey and have an otherwise clean criminal record, you will have better chances of getting a favorable outcome in court. A defense attorney can help you figure out just what kind of consequences you’re facing for your criminal charge.
If you have prescription drugs you are not using, the best idea is to get rid of them. If, however, you are facing charges in regards to prescription drugs, the best idea is to talk to a defense attorney.
Call me today for a free consultation on your drug case. I can give you some valuable legal advice and help you make sense of your options.