RANKIN COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Thursday is "Prescription Drug Take Back Day" throughout the Magnolia State.
In Rankin County, dozens of people dropped off old prescriptions to the Rankin County Sheriff's Department.
Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said over the last several years there has been a rise in teens and young adults abusing prescription drugs.
"A lot of teens and young adults will use these in combination with alcohol to enhance effects of it, so we're just trying to offer a service to the public and try to keep this out of a young person's hands," Bailey said.
Narcotics officials said when people overdose on medicine it can be just as dangerous as using illegal drugs like heroine.
The old medicine will go to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics where it'll be safely disposed.
The drop off officially ends at 2 p.m. in Rankin County. However, if you miss the deadline you can still bring your old prescription drugs to the Sheriff's Department.
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