04/29/2026
Thank you, Burlington Police Department for continuing this service to our community! We encourage everyone to dispose of unused meds properly.
Drug Take Back
Local law enforcement continues prescription drug takeback effort
The Burlington Police Department and the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their efforts to keep the community safe by properly disposing of expired and unwanted prescription medications.
This morning, Officer Rich Messerly and Sergeant Randy Stuart loaded 228.4 pounds of unused medications for transport to Topeka for safe disposal as part of the agencies’ ongoing drug takeback program. Messerly turned the medications over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which oversees the secure destruction process. The DEA ensures the drugs are incinerated at approved facilities, preventing them from being misused or entering the environment.
Authorities say the program has been successful in removing potentially dangerous substances from local homes. Unused prescriptions, especially opioids and other controlled substances, can pose a significant risk for accidental poisoning, misuse or environmental harm if not disposed of properly.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the program throughout the year. Both the Burlington Police Department and the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office provide opportunities for the public to drop off expired or unneeded medications in a safe and confidential manner.
“Community participation is key to the program’s success,” said Police Chief Mike Roney. “Every pill turned in is one less that could be misused. We encourage everyone to check their medicine cabinets regularly and bring in anything they no longer need.”
The drug takeback program is part of a broader effort to promote public safety and combat prescription drug abuse across Coffey County.
For more information on how and where to dispose of medications, residents can contact Burlington Police Department at (620) 364-8757 or Coffey County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 364-2123.
