Officials take back unwanted or expired drugs on Saturday

TEXARKANA, Ark. — Saturday is Drug Take Back Day in Arkansas.

Residents can dispose of old or unwanted medications at any of three drop off box locations: Bi-State Justice building, 100 North State Line Avenue; Miller County Sherriff Office, 2300 East Street; and Texarkana Emergency Center, 4646 Cowhorn Creek Road. The Bi-State Narcotics Taskforce will be at the Texarkana Emergency Center from 8 a.m. to non for in person drop offs and to answer questions from the public.

Twice a year (through partnerships with local businesses such as Texarkana Emergency Center, Rotary clubs, Prevention Resource

Centers, the Department of Health and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency) law-enforcement agencies throughout Arkansas host Drug-Take-Back events at various locations in an effort to not only get the public to dispose of unused or expired medications, but also to educate as many people as possible about the dangers prescription medications can pose. With many law enforcement agencies, and other facilities, having 24-hour secure drop boxes, collection sites are always available.

“It is important to know that law enforcement is only interested in the removal of unused or outdated medications and over the counter drugs from the homes of our citizens.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,” said Sgt. Rick Cockrell, a spokesman for Texarkana Arkansas Police Department. “We stress that it makes no difference if you live in Texas or Arkansas. We take back all medications, no questions asked.”

Needle, however, will not be accepted.