Can you even begin to picture what 539 pounds of prescription pills look like? Yet that mountain of medication, both prescription and over-the-counter, was turned into the Hannibal Police Department in the last two years.

Back in April of 2016, HPD started its drug take back program.

"Proper disposal of unwanted medications is important to prevent abuse that in many cases can evolve to people seeking out illegal street drugs such as heroin," says Police Chief Lyndell Davis. "Other concerns are the environmental issues due to medications being flushed down the toilet or sink which can release toxins into our drinking water and soil. In other cases unwanted prescription drugs are sold illegally which creates another avenue for addictions and criminal activity to flourish."

As the HPD begins its it third year of this program, they remind the public that they can turn in any unused prescriptions or OTC medicines at the police department lobby. Collection times are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round, Monday through Friday.

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