Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigators and members of the Alabama Regional Drug Task Force took part in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s “National Drug Take Back Day” this past Saturday, with the drop off point being set up at the Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Investigator Josh Summerford said law enforcement personnel took-in more than 100 pounds of unwanted or unneeded prescription drugs. 

Summerford says the initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue due to the fact that unused medication left inside the residence is highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said, “We’re glad we can help people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs and prevent and reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing the Nation due to opioid medications.”  He added that the Sheriff’s Office takes in unwanted prescription drugs so that they can be disposed of properly, Monday through Friday, during normal business hours at the Sheriff’s Office.  For additional information, call them at (256) 927-3365.