Dump Your Drugs

It's one of the fastest growing substance abuse problems in the country, and last year alone, it was the cause of 36 deaths in North Dakota. Prescription drug abuse is a definite cause for concern, but a new effort by the state Attorney General and several community police departments is trying to change that. Minot is one of four North Dakota pilot cities taking part in the Prescription Drug Take Back Program. Residents are urged to deposit their old or unused prescriptions in this box to prevent any future abuse of the medication. Minot Police Lieutenant, Jason Olson, says the box will be under 24-hour surveillance until the Ward County Drug Task Force is able to dispose of its contents. He believes small steps like these can go a long way in preventing a major drug-related accident. (Lt. Jason Olson, Minot Police Dept.) "It's just an effort with the Attorney General's office spearheading this project and we're just a drop point for that project for the Attorney General's office to help get those drugs out of the homes when they're unused, so they won't be a danger to the public." The box is located in the Minot Police Department's lobby area. Containers are also available in Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks.