Agencies collect more than 80 pounds of pills

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 15, 2010

More than 80 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter pills were brought to “Take Back Prescription Pills” event Thursday.

The event was the first of its kind held in Covington County was held in the parking lot of Darby’s Village Pharmacy.

It was sponsored by the Covington County Children’s Policy Council Coalition as part of the organization’s plan to heighten the awareness of prescription drug abuse problems in the county.

Kellie Holland, project coordinator, said that unused prescription drugs can become an attractive nuisance for those who are addicted to them.

Holland said the first container was nearly half full within the first 30 minutes of the event as residents from all across the county brought in bags full of unwanted or outdated medicine ranging from small sandwich bags to garbage bags full – some with expiration dates ranging from 1993 to the present.

One resident, the wife of a local doctor, brought five garbage bags full of outdated prescription samples.

Holland said she was pleased with the turnout.

“We’re thrilled for the first year turnout,” she said. “It’s gone much better than expected and planned.”

Holland said the Drug Task Force will properly dispose of the medicine using an incinerator.

“DTF videotapes the whole ordeal so that no questions will be asked,” she said.

The CCCPCC is looking to get a permanent drop box for residents to utilize through the DTF and the sheriff’s office.

While this year’s event was only in Andalusia, Holland said they hope to expand to other sites in Opp and Florala.

“We wanted to see what the response would be first,” she said. “I’m very pleased.”

Drug Task Force Agents David Harrell, Mark Odom and Paul Hudson dump pills into a container for proper disposal. | Kendra Bolling/Star-News