Free and anonymous.  That’s how the Ellis County Drug Enforcement Unit operates its annual “Take Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs” program in cooperation with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The public has a safe and environmentally friendly way to rid their homes of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Drugs languishing in medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

Detective Chuck White says Saturday’s collection went very well.  The drugs, which includes some over-the -counter medications, will be weighed, packaged and secured and then sent to a DEA agent for incinerator disposal in St. Louis.

Last year, Americans turned in 188 tons of prescription drugs at 5,400 sites operated by more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies partnering with the DEA.