MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- With the help of the Provost Marshal’s Office, the Marine Corps Base Quantico population took part in the National Drug Take Back Initiative Day for the fourth year in a row on April 23, 2014.
In support of the event that is put on by the Drug Enforcement Administration, PMO helped support the initiative and gave the Quantico community an opportunity to participate by setting up stations at Barber Physical Activity Center, Marine Corps Exchange, Lincoln Military Housing and Ramer Hall.
“It’s a day set aside for personnel to turn in used or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to be properly disposed of,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terrell Lambert, the operations chief Security Battalion.
PMO collected more than 100 bottles of prescription and over-the-counter medications; 20 percent more than they collected last year. They accept liquid and solid medications, but they didn’t accept intravenous items, according to Lambert.
“After we collect all the medications, we weigh them, itemize them, then we take them to the DEA,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mark Vesely, the Echo Section watch commander at PMO.
Many people leave their old medications lingering around, creating a hazard for children in the home. Some flush them, not knowing this can contaminate the water line, according to Vesely.
“The DEA has a facility where they properly dispose of them,” said Vesely. “They will either use them for training aids or they will incinerate them.”
No questions are asked when dropping off medications, but if someone tries to turn in illegal drugs, such as marijuana or spice, they will be apprehended, according to Vesely.
Lambert said they plan to hold another event like this one in the fall.
Correspondent: sarah.a.garcia@usmc.mil