The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is once again partnering with local law enforcement for the 16th National Drug Take Back Day this weekend, and the Perry Police Department is taking part.

The event is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn says it’s a great opportunity for people to rid their homes of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs. On each occasion, the DEA manages to collect several hundred tons of drugs for incineration. At this time last year, Vaughn says the Perry Police Department collected around 37 pounds themselves. He adds, it’s particularly important to properly dispose of drugs in this day and age, with opioid abuse spiking across the country.

“I think a lot of us have — you know from different injuries or maybe a surgery or something — we have some medication, maybe some pain pills that are laying around. This is a great way to get rid of them so they don’t become abused. We have people that unfortunately have abuse problems that will come into your house maybe, or maybe a friend, maybe a relative that will take those pills and then use them. We have problems with people selling them. So this is just another great way to get rid of those medications.”

Vaughn reminds people they will not accept inhalers or needles, but all pills and patches will be taken with no questions asked. The prescription drug drop off event is free to participate in, and will be held Saturday in the parking lot of the Perry Hy-Vee from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.