BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Even with approximately 85 different towns, cities, and municipalities in West Virginia participating in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, there will still be a need for some people to travel outside of their home if they wish to turn in unused prescription drugs.
That’s why Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker wants to remind potential participants that they can take unwanted and unused prescription drugs to any participating site–and they can do it anonymously.
“Anyone in the county is welcome to stop by here and drop those drugs off,” Chief Walker said. “The more we can get off the streets, the better off we all are.”
Bridgeport Police have participated in the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day since the event’s inception.
“It’s been really worthwhile because we’re getting those narcotics off the street that otherwise would be in the homes and available to younger individuals or entice someone to break into the home and steal them,” he said.
Walker particularly wanted to encourage older citizens who have unused prescription drugs lying around to turn them in Saturday.
“Elderly folks will either get their homes broken into or people will come knocking on their door,” he said. “And while one person is talking to the home owners, a second person will go in behind them and get in the medicine cabinet and raid it.”
There will be four sites in Harrison County to drop drugs off between Bridgeport, Clarksburg, and Shinnston.
“Once we collect it, it’s turned over to the DEA,” he said. “They”ll be here tomorrow afternoon to pick it up. They take it to an incinerator.”
“This takes away all that temptation and gets it off the street.”
Take back will be between 10 am and 2 pm.
Inquiries can also be made at 1-800-882-9539.