The Operation Medicine Cabinet kiosks proved too tempting an object for a Santa Barbara man, caught fishing in one early Sunday morning. In front of the Carpinteria sheriff’s station, a sergeant saw Christian Kulbe with a cord and fishing lure hooking syringes and medications out of the box, where unwanted prescriptions can be put for safe disposal. He was booked into County Jail on charges of petty theft, prowling, and possession of stolen property, burglary tools, and controlled substances.
The program has placed kiosks at the Sheriff’s stations in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Isla Vista, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Maria, and Lompoc; there’s also one in the lobby at the Santa Barbara Police Department. Putting unused meds in the disposal boxes avoids flushing them into the water system, and is also meant to keep them out of the hands of others. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that used needles, or sharps, should not be placed in the kiosks. Medications should be in their original packaging, and loose powders and pills must be sealed in bags.