The Benton and Bryant Police Departments, and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office announce the launch of Operation Medicine Cabinet on Feb 6th.  Operation Medicine Cabinet is a one day event where citizens can drop off their unused prescription medicines they have laying around their homes. 

    The abuse of prescription medicines is something a lot of people don’t think about, because other illegal substances commonly come to mind (cocaine, meth, etc.).  Abusing prescription medicine has become the latest trend among teens and young adults during the past decade.  Often, the pills are obtained from parents or guardians without them ever realizing they were taken. 

    Approximately one in five teenagers has admitted to taking prescription medicine that didn’t belong to them.  During Operation Medicine Cabinet we hope to eliminate the availability of the pills in our community and to help educate people on the dangers associated with their improper use. 

    As an incentive to take the time to drop off their medicine, people will get a five dollar Wal-Mart gift card and a coupon for a free drink from Sonic for their trouble.  A similar event held last year in Northwest Arkansas gathered approximately 18,000 pills. 

    You may drop off your unused medicine from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Feb. 6th at the following locations:

• Ferguson’s Furniture parking lot on Military Road- Benton
• Benton Police Department at 114 S. East St.
• Bryant Police Department at 312 Roya Lane
• Bryant City Hall at 210 S.W. 3rd St.