JESSUP, MD — Howard County residents can take their unwanted prescription drugs on National Drug Take Back Day to the Maryland State Police barrack in Jessup Oct. 26. The Maryland State Police, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, invite people to get rid of their prescriptions anonymously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

State police barracks throughout Maryland will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. Each barrack will act as a collection station giving citizens an opportunity to dispose of all unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs are finding an unlimited supply in their family's medicine cabinet.

The Maryland State Police has collected more than 20,000 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications combined through similar events since 2014. In April, state police removed close to 1,943 pounds of prescription medications from circulation.