Police participating in statewide drug take-back initiative.

Local police will be participating in a drug deal Saturday in a statewide initiative to take unused or expired drugs off of the streets.

Alachua Police Department (APD) and the Police Explorers will be at Walgreens and Hitchcocks from 10 am to 2 pm to accept the prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which will then be destroyed.

The Lions Club will be at the Hitchcock’s location to provide free diabetes testing. They will also be handing out a limited supply of glucometers, which will be donated by the Hitchock’s pharmacy.

In addition to helping clear your cabinets of unnessary bottles and pills, these events will help society in a broader sense, said APD Public Information Officer Jesse Sandusky.

“This is important so that these drugs do not get into the wrong hands,” Sandusky wrote in a press release. “It’s also important to dispose of these drugs properly so that children do not get a hold of them.”

Those with questions about this event may contact APD Detective Carrie Lund or Officer Sandusky at 386-462-1396.