NORWICH – The Norwich City Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), will be taking part in the “National Take Back Initiative” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The intention of this initiative is for the public to safely dispose of unused and expired pharmaceutical prescription drugs along with other medications that are no longer needed or used.

The safe disposal of the medications will prevent both landfill and water contamination, prevent abuse of the prescription medications and ensure their proper disposal.

Participants may dispose of all the medications at secured site located at the rear of the Norwich Police Station at 18 East Main St. in the south side parking lot.

An officer will be attending a table inside the department car port with several designated field containers used for collecting narcotics.

This is a “no question” initiative and no information will be obtained from anyone dropping off any type medication. “We have a huge problem in our area with prescription drug diversion,” said Detective Michael Purdy, who will be handling the collection.