Hamburg Borough Police will be hosting and participating with the DEA in National Drug Take Back Day.
On April 28 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Redner’s in Hamburg, Hawkridge Drive Shopping Center. Police remind residents that a local drop box is located at the Hamburg Borough Hall which is available all weekdays during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The purpose of the National Take Back Day is to provide a resource to the public to safely dispose of Prescription Drugs. It has been proven that many persons that are opioid addicted started off their addiction with being prescribed prescription pain pills,” said Hamburg Borough Police Chief Anthony Kuklinki.
“We hope that this provides residents of the area an opportunity to safely dispose of prescription drugs, become aware of the opioid addictions and how it starts and what can be done to help control access to prescription drugs. Often times, when individuals are arrested for drug possession, they are found in possession of prescription pain killers.”
Kuklinki hopes this helps to battle the opioid crisis, to provide awareness to the problems affiliated to addiction to prescription drugs, and assisting with providing a safe means to dispose of prescription drugs. He said that this program is designed to get the prescription drugs that aren’t being used by the person they are prescribed out of the public.
“Many times, those afflicted with opioid addiction get addicted when they received the prescription as part of treatment. They continue on the prescription. Once they are addicted to the effects of the pain killers and can no longer get the prescription drugs through legal means, they turn to the illegal sources, street dealers and the like,” he said. “In my experience, many of the persons addicted to heroin and other opioid based drugs admit that their addiction started from a lawfully obtained prescription. They often admit that they have gone through treatment, or haven’t completed treatment, then turn to street drugs.”
Kuklinki also noted that there is also an environmental concern with simply dumping prescription down the toilet.
The police chief said the community can help to battle the opioid crisis through participation in this program.
“Self Awareness and through education. From an enforcement standpoint, notifying the police department or law enforcement of suspected drug or illicit activity,” added Kuklinki. “The Hamburg Police Department remains dedicated to serving our community and will investigate any incidents involving illicit drug activity.”
Kuklinki encourages residents to call the police when there is suspected drug or suspicious or known criminal activity, call 610-655-4911 or 1-800-372-9111. He said callers DO NOT have to give their name. Private messages to Hamburg Borough Police Facebook page and tips can be sent to the police chief directly at akuklinski.hpd@hamburgboro.com. Anyone that wants to meet with the police chief personally can stop by the station at any time, or will meet them if they so choose.
