NORWICH – The Norwich City Police Department, partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, will hold its fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the rear entrance of the Norwich Police Station, 18 East Main St.

According to Police Chief Joseph Angelino, each of the three previous Take-Back Day events has seen large amounts of potentially dangerous narcotics and prescription medications collected, keeping them off the streets and potentially saving lives. Once collected, a DEA representative transports the drugs to a central warehouse for weighing and destruction.

As always, added the chief, the service is free and anonymous, and no questions are asked.

“This is a great opportunity for those who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs [since the last Take-Back Day], to safely dispose of those medications,” said Angelino. “We’re happy to provide this service.”

The initiative – introduced in 2010 – addresses what DEA officials calls a “vital public safety and public health issue.” Said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, prescription medicines that go unused or forgotten in home cabinets are “highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.”