LAS VEGAS - It's the threat hidden inside our homes - prescription drugs, which turn careless parents into unsuspecting drug dealers.
"Everybody knows about marijuana and cocaine and heroine and methamphetamine, and they don't want their children to be part of that, but they don't look right in their own medicine cabinet," said Metro Police Detective Ailee Burnett. "You put alcohol in the mix, and it's just a deadly cocktail from there."
Prescription drugs are abused at gatherings called "farm parties" where unused or expired medication is used as admission.
"You dump it in a giant bowl, then everybody takes turns grabbing a medication," Detective Burnett said. "You have absolutely zero idea what you're taking."
A community-wide effort called Operation Medicine Cabinet is designed for people to dispose of their prescription drugs before they fall into the wrong hands.
Days ago, Judy Richardson suffered a devastating loss.
"I just lost my mother," she said.
Her mother's prescriptions were left behind. Operation Medicine Cabinet comes at a perfect time.
"I never know what to do when pills expire," she said. "Unfortunately in this situation, we don't need them anymore, and I heard this on the news, and it's a great thing."
Student pharmacists are part of a drug abuse awareness program. They are helping with the collection.
"This is what we practice in our practice, and, of course, we can get a little bit beyond that and make sure the wrong people aren't taking the wrong meds," pharmacy student Kafilat Jimo said. "(We've collected) antibiotics, some controlled substances. We've had a lot of maintenance meds, some injectables."
Turnout for Operation Medicine Cabinet at some valley locations Saturday was lower than usual. Organizers credit newly installed drug drop boxes at valley police substations.
Despite a heavy heart, Judy now has peace of mind. "This is a great thing. I feel so relieved I don't have to worry about them anymore," she said.
Organizers say it's important to turn in your unused or expired drugs rather than throw them in the garbage or flush them down the toilet. Proper disposal keeps the medications out of landfills or area lakes.
8 News NOW is a proud community partner of Operation Medicine Cabinet. The event was run in conjunction with National Drug Take Back Day.
