BERLIN — Last week’s Operation Medicine Drop, in conjunction with the fall National Drug Take-Back Day, was a huge success, netting a total of 205 pounds of unused and expired medications.
Local officials from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Worcester County Health Department, Ocean City Police, Berlin Police and the Assateague Coastal Trust and Coastkeeper participated in Operation Medicine Drop last Saturday at various locations around the local area. Local residents dropped off a total of 205 pounds of unused prescription medications at the designated sites. By contrast, 130 pounds of pills were dropped off during the inaugural event last spring.
“This lets us know the public is now better educated about the reasons for these events and they are also aware they now have multiple opportunities to safely dispose of unused medications in Worcester County,” said Eastern Shore Regional DEA Agent David Rivello.
Once again, the Food Lion in Ocean Pines was the top “take back” location with over 104 pounds of medication turned in. The Food Lion in West Ocean City was the second busiest drop-off location. Already, Worcester County’s Operation Medicine Drop partner agencies and groups are preparing for a spring 2012 event in conjunction with the federal National Drug Take-Back Day.
