Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Promotes National Take Back Day to Combat Drug Abuse

Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737 
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421                                           
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org        

October 25, 2024              

Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Promotes National Take Back Day to Combat Drug Abuse

Macomb County, MI - In recognition of National Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office is encouraging the community to take part in the event by safely disposing of unused or expired medications. This initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is part of a national effort to prevent drug misuse, especially of prescription medications, by providing a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of drugs.

As part of our ongoing commitment to combating drug-related crimes, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Drug Unit plays a key role in addressing controlled substance offenses. The Drug Unit, composed of one full-time and two part-time assistant prosecuting attorneys, focuses on cases involving the distribution, trafficking, and possession of controlled substances. Prosecutors work closely with law enforcement, reviewing evidence from surveillance, undercover operations, and search warrants to build solid cases against those involved in drug-related criminal activity.

Over the past six years, the Drug Unit has handled a steady number of cases, reflecting the persistent need for vigilance in this area. In 2020, the unit processed 410 cases, followed by 366 in 2021, 450 in 2022, and 392 in 2023. To date, in 2024, 190 cases have been handled, indicating that the case volume remains consistent. More notably, there has been a significant reduction in pending warrant requests, with only one outstanding request—the lowest on record. This achievement underscores the impact of new technology that has streamlined case processing, making the system faster and more efficient.

“National Take Back Day is a critical opportunity to prevent the misuse of prescription medications and to keep our community safe. While our Drug Unit continues to combat drug trafficking and distribution, we are also committed to supporting prevention efforts like this to stop drug abuse before it starts,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Residents are encouraged to visit local collection sites on National Take Back Day, where they can safely dispose of their unused medications. To find a nearby collection location, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

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