Morris County NJ Prescription Drug OffensesSeveral New Jersey law enforcement agencies recently worked together to get more than 500 pounds of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications off the streets in Morris County.

The coordinated effort, which was called “Operation Take Back,” was part of a coordinated effort that included assistance from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the NJ Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Jersey Prevention Network, the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Association, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as local police departments in Morris Plains, Randolph, and Mountain Lakes.

The operation took place during at three sites: the Randolph, NJ Municipal Building, the Mountain Lakes, NJ Fire Department, and a Stop and Shop Supermarket in Morris Plains, NJ.

The one-day operation was deemed a success by authorities, who recovered 222 pounds in Morris Plains, 152 pounds in Mountain Lakes, and 142 pounds in Randolph Township.

Operation Take Back is a national initiative that encourages people to return unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Police offer immunity to anyone who returns the drugs, meaning they can do so without threat of being arrested.

In New Jersey, prescription drug possession carries severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10:5, possession of prescription drugs is allowed by law enforcement only if it has been authorized by a licensed physician, dentist, veterinarian, or pharmacist. The penalties for violating the law vary, depending on the type and quantity of prescription drugs. If a person is found in possession of more than 100 prescription pills, they can potentially be charged with second degree possession and be subject to a penalty of 10 years in state prison.

To learn more, read the NJ.com article entitled “516 Pounds of Medication Collected at Operation Take Back in Morris County.

 

If you are facing drug charges in New Jersey, contact Morristown NJ criminal defense attorney Travis J. Tormey for a free consultation about your case.