Bedford Police Receives Drug Collection Unit at Friday Event

Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno received a drug collection bin on behalf of the Bedford Police Department on Friday morning, and said it will go a long way in keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands.

The bin was presented to Bongiorno, along with one to the Townsend, Sudbury and Ashland Police Departments, by Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan during an event in Woburn.

“It is important that people have a resource like this to prevent controlled substances from potentially harming people instead of helping people," said Bongiorno. "I want to thank District Attorney Ryan for helping to make this program possible.”

Ryan's office said that this year alone more than 40 people have died from drug overdoses, including heroin and opiates like prescription drugs. 

The District Attorney also said 54 percent of people who use prescription drugs say they obtain them free from friends or family, and another 16 percent say they bought or stole the drugs from a friend or relative.

“I am appreciative of the opportunity provided by District Attorney Ryan and look forward to a continued partnership,” said Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix. “This is but one of many initiatives to benefit residents, in particular our youth.”