In September of 2008, Sheriff Buck created a program where the citizens of Carteret County could safely dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to law enforcement officials, who in-turn dispose of these controlled substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. The program aims to prevent prescription medication from falling into the hands of our youth and also preventing medication from being stolen and abused by individuals.

Sheriff Buck enlisted the aid and sponsorship from many community organizations which include Healthy Carolinians, Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention, Carteret County Substance Abuse Task Force, Food Lion Corp. and area Law Enforcement personnel.

Residents may drop off unused prescription drugs at the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office located in Beaufort. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If unable to deliver the items, call to arrange pickup by a deputy at a business or home location. For more information, contact the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 728-8400

To date, the program has collected and destroyed over 1.2 million dosage units.