Traffic Watch

Join Our Team

Most Wanted

Every day in the United States approximately 2,500 youths, between the ages of 12 and 17, abuse prescription drugs for the first time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 6 million people over the age of 12 will begin to abuse prescription drugs in the next year. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports almost 10% of 12th graders abused prescription drugs in 2008, with the most commonly abused drugs being amphetamines and cough syrup.

Lee County is not immune to this epidemic. According to the 2008 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, lifetime prevalence rates for prescription drug abuse in Lee County are the highest in the state. 12.1% of students in Lee County reported abusing prescription pain relievers and 8.8% reported abusing depressants.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing trend in the United States. That's why the Lee County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Lee County Coalition for a Drug Free Southwest Florida, is once again taking a proactive stance to remove and properly dispose of unused prescription medications.

Last year's joint effort was a success that resulted in the collection of nearly 70,000 prescription pills. Hundreds of vials, liquids and syringes were also collected.

Sheriff Mike Scott says "Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs continues to be a serious concern and to that end, we at the Sheriff’s Office remain committed to enacting whatever means necessary to stem the tide."

On Saturday, November 7, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., people are encouraged to drop off their old/unused prescription and over the counter medications at one of the following locations:

* Wal-Mart, 1619 Del Prado Boulevard S. Cape Coral
* Wal-Mart, 2523 Lee Boulevard, Lehigh Acres
* 8021 Cinema Way, Estero (Coconut Point in front of the Hollywood Theatre)

All participants will remain anonymous. No questions asked. The goal of Prescription Clean-Out is to get rid of dangerous and potentially deadly prescription drugs before they fall into the wrong hands.

Media inquiries are directed to the Public Information Officer at (239) 477-1340.