Dover Police, DEA to host Drug Take-Back Day April 26

posted on 4/24/2025

The Dover Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent prescription drug and opioid abuse by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs as well as vape pens and e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed) on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These items can be brought to the Dover Police Department at 46 Chestnut St. for disposal. The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.

Dover, like communities across the state, continues to see the impacts of the opioid crisis and youth vaping. In 2024, Dover reported nine fatal overdoses, making events like this as important as ever. Youth vaping is also a concern. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that over one-third of all Dover High School students have used an electronic vapor product at least once in their lifetime, with nearly 20% reporting current use.

"The annual Drug Take Back events are very important. They provide an opportunity for all community members to minimize unauthorized access to substances in their home," said Dover Police Chief William Breault. "The disposal and safe storage of medications is an important part of the Dover Police Department's overall substance misuse prevention strategy."

According to the DEA, unused medications flushed down the toilet contaminate the water supply. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. To avoid that, when disposing of medications, mix them with undesirable items such as coffee grounds or cat litter. There are also several anonymous drop boxes around the region, including one in the lobby of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and at the CVS pharmacy in Dover.

The Dover Police Department has partnered with RALI NH (Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative) to provide free drug disposal bags to the public. The bags can be picked up at the event and are also available 24/7 at the police station. They are designed to provide individuals with a safe way to dispose of medications at home throughout the year.

For more information about the take-back event and disposal tips, visit the DEA website at www.dea.gov. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact the Dover Coalition for Youth at 603-516-3279 or online at www.DoverCoalition.org.