RAYMONDVILLE — Willacy County residents have rid their homes of more than 60 pounds of prescription drugs.
Last Saturday, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration collected 63 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs at its bi-annual “Take Back” disposal event.
“It’s a successful turnout. We’re really excited about that,” Urbina, a drug prevention specialist with Communities Against Substance Abuse, or CASA, said yesterday. “That’s a lot medications coming out of people’s homes. It is contributing to the opioid crisis.”
CASA and the Willacy County District Attorney’s Office helped the DEA collect the drugs at the Willacy County Sheriff’s Department, the Raymondville Police Department, the Lyford school district’s police department and Watson Drug in Raymondville.
Since October, CASA has helped residents dispose of 207 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs, Urbina said.
“It’s safer for the community,” she said. “Considering the average age of kids using drugs in Willacy County is 12 years old, it helps keep it from getting in the wrong hands.”
Rosalie Tristan, CASA’s coordinator, has warned residents against flushing down drugs in toilets or throwing them in the trash, where they can pose safety hazards and contaminate the environment.
Since last fall, residents across the country have disposed of 456 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 DEA sites.
Saturday — 63 pounds collected in Willacy County
Since October — 207 pounds collected in Willacy County
Since last fall — 456 tons collected nationwide
