With new drop-off boxes available 24 hours a day, the area Drug Take Back Program has collected more unwanted and expired medications in six months than in the whole year before.
With more than 80 pounds collected during Drug Take Back Day on April 28 and multiple drop-off boxes available, the program has taken in 403 pounds of medication since October 2017.
"That is a phenomenal accomplishment when comparing this number to the previous amount of 342 pounds collected in the entire year's time before the new local drop-off box locations were available," said Officer Kristi Bennett, spokeswoman for Texarkana, Ark., Police Department.
TAPD, Miller County Sheriff's and Prosecutor's offices and the Drug Enforcement Administration participated in Drug Take Back Day in April, Bennett said.
The program is for anyone wanting to dispose of any medication.
"Law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused and/or outdated medications and over-the-counter drugs from the homes of our citizens. It matters not whose name is on the prescription, by whom it was prescribed, where it was prescribed or where you reside. We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas. We take back all medications, no questions asked. You can remove the label if you desire, but it's not necessary," Bennett said.
Drop-off boxes are at Bi-State Justice building, 100 N. State Line Ave.; Miller County Sheriff's Office, 2300 East St.; and Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Road.
Police ask that you do not deposit syringes or "needles," premade injection medications, diabetic lancets, glucose meters, thermometers, empty containers, aerosols, hydrogen peroxide, and inhalers.
Pills and capsules should be left in their original containers or removed from the bottles and placed in plastic zipper bags.