Multiple law enforcement agencies and statewide partners are joining forces to combat prescription drug misuse and opioid addiction through an upcoming drug take back event in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Tri-County Drug Task Force, Joint Task Force Arkansas Counterdrug, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Sheriff’s Association and the Arkansas Office of the Drug Director, has partnered with the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership to promote safe disposal of unused and expired medications.
The effort is part of the Arkansas Take Back Initiative, aimed at reducing overdose deaths and preventing prescription drug abuse across the state.
Residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of medications on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Super 1 Foods, located at 2800 S. Hazel Street in Pine Bluff. Officials said the service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. Only pills and patches will be accepted; liquids, needles and sharps will not be collected.
Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said the initiative is an important step in addressing what he called a serious public health and safety issue.
“The drug overdose epidemic is a clear and present public health and public safety issue,” Woods said. “Removing expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications from homes helps prevent misuse and reduces the risk of opioid dependency and addiction.”
Officials noted that commonly prescribed medications such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl are often found in home medicine cabinets and are among those most vulnerable to misuse.
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, which helps distribute opioid settlement funds, focuses on prevention, treatment, enforcement and recovery efforts statewide. Leaders say the goal is to reduce overdose deaths while encouraging communities to take an active role in addressing the crisis.
Authorities said previous take back events have removed large quantities of drugs from circulation. During the October 2025 event, more than 26,500 pounds of prescription medications were collected across Arkansas. Nationwide, more than 684,000 pounds of medications have been collected since 2010.
Tri-County Drug Task Force Commander Capt. Yohance Brunson said many people who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from family or friends, making proper disposal critical.
“Disposing of unused medications is an easy, proactive way to safeguard our communities,” Brunson said.
In addition to the upcoming event, officials said Jefferson County has three permanent prescription drug drop-off locations at the sheriff’s office in Pine Bluff and two Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy locations in Pine Bluff and White Hall.
Residents can find additional collection sites across the state and learn more about safe disposal practices through the Arkansas Drug Take Back program and the ReviveAR app.
