Operation Medicine Drop commences at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the entrance of the Roses store in the Great Falls Shopping Center off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway. People may drive up near the curb to drop medications off.

“The reason we're holding it is because we're getting complaints about young people getting their hands on medicine and actually taking it,” said Lieutenant Anzell Harris. “We're getting complaints of people trying to buy prescription medication.”

People who take medication prescribed for others have no idea of the side effects, Harris said.

Harris said the sheriff's office has also been getting calls about veterinary medication and will allow the public to drop those prescriptions off as well.

Operation Medicine Drop is a partnership of Safe Kids North Carolina, the Riverkeepers of North Carolina, the State Bureau of Investigation, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of North Carolina and local law enforcement agencies working together to encourage the public to safely dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medication. Operation Medicine Drop helps prevent accidental poisonings and drug abuse while protecting water, the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Over a dozen people have called the Halifax County Narcotics Division inquiring about Operation Medicine Drop.

“We will take back any type of medication even veterinary drugs. Several people from other counties have called to see if they can bring their old medications, you are welcome to come,” Harris said. “We are asking that you leave the medication in the containers that it came in. This will help agents with identifying the medication. All medication will be turned over to the SBI to be disposed of.”

If you have any questions about Operation Medicine Drop you may call the Halifax County Narcotics Division at 252 583-2282 or visit ncsafekids.org.