ELIZABETHTOWN - Operation Medicine Drop is coming to the Dublin Peanut Festival on Saturday.

The Bladen County Sheriff's and Health departments will be set up to accept any out-of-date or unused prescription or over-the-counter drugs, said Capt. Rodney Hester.

It's a chance for residents to safely dispose of the drugs, Hester said.

Unintentional poisoning from prescription medication is on the rise in North Carolina, Hester said.

Nearly 4,500 people in North Carolina have died from overdoses of prescription drugs since 1999, he said.

Flushing unused medication only works to contaminate streams and rivers, harming wildlife, according to information provided by agencies including Safe Kids North Carolina that sponsor the initiative.

Residents can bring prescription drugs to the Operation Medicine Drop tent at the festival between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Hester said.

The 20th annual Peanut Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. with a parade and offer day-long events including a car show.

- Nancy McCleary

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Operation Medicine Drop at the Dublin Peanut Festival Saturday