Residents can dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals at any pharmacy in the province

Halifax Regional Police are advising residents to properly store or dispose of expired or unused pharmaceuticals because they may become targets of criminal activity.

"Medications should be stored in a locked cabinet to limit the risk of accidental access by children or pets and to deter people who may be looking for certain medications," says Constable John MacLeod.

MacLeod says if medications aren't stored properly someone could easily access drugs that could be abused or they could be stolen to be repurposed for criminal activity.

Residents can dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals at any pharmacy in the province.

The announcement comes as a safety precaution during pharmacy awareness month.