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  • Beckley Police Officer P.W. Conley talks about the types of medications that were collected at the Raleigh County Commission on Aging as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. CHRIS TILLEY/THE REGISTER-HERALD

    takedrugs
April 29, 2012

Drug Take Back Day: Residents drop off unwanted medications

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

— Although rain came down in sheets and thunder boomed, many Raleigh County residents still took advantage of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday.

Local police and state officials promoted this event, hoping to collect as many expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs as possible.

Three drop-off locations were established throughout Raleigh County including the Raleigh County Commission on Aging, Kroger parking lot on Harper Road, and the West Virginia State Police Detachment.

Drugs were collected between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and as the day was coming to a close, Beckley Police Cpl. P.W. Conley had collected nearly two full trash bags of prescription drugs at the Commission on Aging.

“Last year there was a lot bigger turnout,” Conley said, which he believed was due to the weather.

“Drug Take Back Days are important because it takes temptation away for crimes to happen.”

Conley discussed how abusing prescription medications is a widespread problem in our area and it is affecting all ages.

Trooper J.B. Frye says the day’s collection at all three locations totaled three trash-sized boxes and seven trash bags of unwanted medications.

For those who still have unwanted prescriptions, a secure collection box is located at the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Also, if you cannot make it to the drop-off box, simply call the detachment at 304-255-9300 and a trooper will collect the prescriptions from your home.

All prescription medications were being taken to a DEA representative and will be disposed of in an incinerator.  

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

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