Drug take-back is Saturday at various island locations

Whidbey law enforcers and DEA will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at the Island County Sheriff’s Office, Coupeville Marshals Office or Oak Harbor Police Department.

April 26, 2016 5:47 pm

Whidbey law enforcers and DEA will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at the Island County Sheriff’s Office, Coupeville Marshals Office or Oak Harbor Police Department.

The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles — only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous.

Last September, Americans turned in 350 tons of prescription drugs at sites across the nation. When those results are combined with what was collected in its 10 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds, which is more than 2,750 tons of pills.

The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, according to a Tuesday news release from the sheriff’s office.