Full Notification

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with Tryon Police Department, Tryon Fire Department and the Saluda Police Department participated in Operation Medicine Drop on Saturday March 22 which turned out to be very successful.

Residents responded in positive stride to get prescription drugs that were no longer of value to the prescribed off the streets. By taking part in these take back events, it aids in the prevention of keeping them from being abused or distributed illegally on our streets. Citizens could drop them off at four locations throughout the county which was Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda Police Department, Sunny View Fire Department, Tryon Estates and Tryon Fire Department where officers were available to accept and securely dispose of unwanted pills.

Throughout these locations there were a total of 56,926 pills that combined for more than 70 pounds collected. 4,536 dosage units were controlled substances. Participating agencies would like to thank the citizens of Polk County for this overwhelming turnout for such a great cause in keeping Polk County safe.

Prescription drug abuse is one of the most abused forms of drug use that plagues North Carolina. With Operation Medicine Drop which is a national campaign gives residents an opportunity to rid their homes of these drugs which are so commonly sought after during other criminal activities such as breaking and entering.

Operation Medicine Drop partners with Safe Kids North Carolina, the Drug Enforcement Administration, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, and local law enforcement to collect and safely destroy these drugs during this campaign. Once the dosages are collected, the State Bureau of Investigation gathers them from across the state where they are later transported by the North Carolina Highway Patrol to a state approved incinerator.

Operation Medicine Drop events typically take place statewide in the spring and fall. The Sheriff’s Office will inform you as to the next Medicine Take-Back day will be.