SPRING LAKE, NJ – On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Spring Lake Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Spring Lake Police Headquarters at 311 Washington Avenue, Spring Lake. (The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last September, Americans turned in 350 tons (over 702,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 10 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons—of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.
In addition to this event, the Spring Lake Police Department has a permanent drop box location. Â The drop box is located in our lobby and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Â Please click here for more information.
Sergeant Patrick Gilroy and Patrolman James Heine responded to the 300 block of Second Street for an individual that had fallen from the second floor roof of a construction site. Â Spring Lake First Aid responded and the victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Patrolman Ryan Reiff received a report of criminal mischief from a resident in the 400 block of Worthington Avenue.
Subsequent to a motor vehicle stop Bruno Roccoberton 61, South Bound Brook was arrested by Sergeant Patrick Gilroy. Â Roccoberton was charged with driving while intoxicated as well as other motor vehicle offenses.
Subsequent to an investigation Detective Sergeant Christopher Kucinksi identified four juvenile males that were trespassing in the Spring Lake Borough Yard. Â The juveniles were released to their parents pending further action.
Detective Sergeant Christopher Kucinski received a report of a theft of a package from a residence in the 400 block of Atlantic Avenue.
UPDATED: April 22nd, Package located no theft occurred.Â
Sergeant Timothy Moran and Patrolman William Kelly responded to the 100 block of Lorraine Avenue for a reported dumpster fire. Â Patrols, First Aid and Fire Companies responded and extinguished the fire. Â Detective Sergeant Kucinski is assisting in the investigation.
Sergeant Timothy Moran and Patrolman Sean Duggan responded to the Worthington Avenue jetty for a report of a swimmer in distress. Â Patrols found the victim out of the water upon arrival and the victim refused any medical assistance.
Patrolman James Heine received a report of harassment from a resident in the 100 block of Salem Avenue.
Sergeant Anthony Ploskonka received a report of identity theft from a resident of the 300 block of South Boulevard.
