Clallam County residents returned an estimated 200 pounds of unused prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications on Saturday, April 28, as part of the fourth annual National Drug Take Back Day.

The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles, the Sequim Police Department, Port Angeles Police Department and Clallam County Sheriff’s Office sponsored the local effort.

Local law enforcement personnel were present at two sites on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to collect the drugs. Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles and the Sequim Police Department served as collection sites for the event.

Reporting on behalf of the participating local law enforcement agencies and Jim’s Pharmacy, Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said, “We’ve appreciated the continued support of local residents for helping to keep expired or unwanted prescription drugs out of the hands of citizens and from polluting our environment.”

Benedict noted that prescription drugs often are a target of criminals who either use the drugs or sell them on the black market. The illegal misuse of prescription drugs by anyone other than the designated patient is a serious criminal offense and is extremely harmful. It’s a growing problem that can result in deadly overdoses, serious health problems and motor vehicle crashes.

Flushing prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications down a toilet or drain, as well as disposing of such drugs in household trash, can be extremely harmful to people, animals and the environment.

Citizens are reminded that they can take any unused or unwanted drugs or medications to Jim’s Pharmacy in Port Angeles, the Port Angeles and Sequim police departments and the Sheriff’s Office at the county courthouse during their regular business hours.

There is no identification or personal information required in order to participate.