CARTERET COUNTY, NC (April 18, 2024) – The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders for the semi-annual Operation Medicine Drop prescription drug take-back event on Saturday, April 27.

Residents can drop off unwanted medications at any Food Lion grocery store in Carteret County or the Walmart Supercenter in Morehead City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free and anonymous service helps prevent the misuse of prescription drugs and protects public safety.

“Unused medications can be diverted for illegal purposes,” said Sheriff Asa Buck. “This event, along with our year-round collection program, ensures residents have a safe way to dispose of unwanted prescriptions.”

Syringes, sharps, needles, liquids, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. The sheriff’s office offers year-round collection at their office during business hours, excluding holidays.

This initiative aligns with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Operation Medicine Drop and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take Back Initiative. Carteret County has collected nearly three tons of unused medication since 2008.

Participating agencies include the Atlantic Beach Police Department, Beaufort Police Department, Carteret County Government, Carteret County Health Department, Emerald Isle Police Department, Morehead City Police Department, and Newport Police Department.

For more information about the event, visit https://www.ncosfm.gov/community-risk-reduction/operation-medicine-drop.

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