Drug take-back day set for Oct. 26

Countywide local law enforcement agencies, including the Sequim Police Department, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and Port Angeles Police Department, will be participating in the Nationwide Prescription Take-Back Day sponsored by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Individuals can drop off expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. Drop-off locations include: the Sequim Police Department, 152 W. Cedar St.; the main parking lot of the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, and the Chinook Pharmacy, at 11 S. Forks Ave., Forks.

Beginning this year, individuals may also drop off vaping pens without the internal batteries for destruction. Drugs can also be dropped off anytime at the Sequim Police Department during regular office hours, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and at the Clallam County Courthouse during regular business hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. The collection service will include both controlled and non-controlled prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications to the collection sites.

The Sequim Police Department will also now accept illegal drugs for destruction.

To help combat the continued vaping health crisis across the country, vaping pens and cartridges will also be collected (remove batteries); however, intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes and medical waste will not be accepted because of potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens.

This will be the 18th National Drug Take Back Day sponsored by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency in cooperation with participating local law enforcement agencies.