National Guard and ASP Collaborate to Ensure Secure Transportation and Disposal of Medications

Arkansas Authorities Destroy Over 26,000 Pounds of Unused Medications

little Rock, Arkansas – November 4, 2025 – A important operation concluded today as the Arkansas State Police (ASP) and the Arkansas National Guard (ANG) successfully processed and prepared for destruction over 26,000 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription drugs. The medications where collected during the statewide Arkansas Drug Take Back initiative on October 25, 2025.

Collaboration for Community Safety

Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, emphasized the critical role of responsible medication disposal. He stated that curtailing prescription drug misuse is a shared responsibility that begins within households. This annual event exemplifies the powerful synergy between law enforcement agencies and local communities in bolstering safety across Arkansas.

Troopers and Soldiers of the Arkansas National Guard worked in tandem at the ASP Troop A Headquarters in Little Rock, efficiently loading multiple tractor-trailers with the collected medications.The National Guard Counter Drug Program coordinated the secure transportation of thes substances to Clean Harbors in El Dorado, Arkansas, a specialized facility dedicated to the safe incineration of hazardous materials.

Complete Statewide effort

Arkansas Drug Director Tom Fisher expressed gratitude for clean Harbors’ ongoing support, noting that their partnership is vital to the entire process, from initial collection to final disposal. This collaborative spirit demonstrates a commitment from Arkansans to proactively enhance safety within their communities.

This year’s Drug Take Back Day was a widespread undertaking, involving 140 law enforcement agencies and numerous community partners. They established 375 collection sites across all 75 counties in Arkansas.The 12 ASP Troop Headquarters functioned as regional hubs, streamlining the secure handling and consolidation of medications in cooperation with the arkansas drug Director’s Office, county sheriffs, municipal police departments, multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Long-Term Impact & Cumulative Results

Since the inception of the program in 2010, Arkansas has achieved the remarkable feat of collecting and responsibly disposing of over 684,000 pounds – exceeding 342 tons – of unused and outdated prescription medications. This sustained effort has demonstrably reduced the availability of drugs for potential misuse and has contributed significantly to public health improvements throughout the state.

Did You Know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid overdose deaths involving prescription opioids were 1.7 times higher in 2022 compared to 2012. Safe drug disposal is a key strategy in combating this crisis.

Residents of Arkansas have ongoing access to convenient and secure drug disposal options. More than 300 permanent drug drop boxes are strategically located within law enforcement facilities and community centers statewide. More information about locations and procedures can be found at ardrugtakeback.org.

These collection events and permanent drop-off locations offer a vital service, preventing potentially hazardous medications from falling into the wrong hands and safeguarding the well-being of Arkansans.

Understanding the Risks of Unused Medications

Unused prescription drugs pose a variety of risks. they can be accidentally ingested by children or pets, leading to poisoning. They can also be stolen and misused, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis. Proper disposal significantly mitigates these risks.

Here’s a quick overview of safe disposal methods:

Method	Description	Suitable For
Drug Take-Back Events	Scheduled events where you can safely drop off unused medications.	Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Permanent Drop Boxes	Secure containers located at pharmacies, hospitals, and law enforcement facilities.	Most prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Household Disposal (Last Resort)	Mixing medications with undesirable substances (e.g., coffee grounds) and sealing in a container before discarding.	Only when take-back options are unavailable and as directed by FDA guidelines.

frequently Asked Questions About Drug Take Back

What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of drug take-back programs in your community? do you feel there are enough accessible disposal locations?

Share this article with your friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of safe medication disposal!

## Summary of National Guard & ASP Collaboration in Pharmaceutical Logistics

National Guard and ASP Collaborate too Ensure Secure Transportation and Disposal of medications

The Critical Need for Secure Medication Logistics

The safe and secure handling of pharmaceuticals – from manufacturer to patient, and ultimately, responsible disposal – is paramount. Compromised medication supply chains pose notable risks, including counterfeit drugs, theft, and environmental contamination. Increasingly, state National Guards are partnering with Authorized Service Providers (ASPs) specializing in reverse logistics to bolster these critical processes. This collaboration addresses vulnerabilities and ensures compliance with stringent regulations surrounding pharmaceutical logistics, medication disposal, and controlled substance management.

Understanding the Roles: National Guard & ASPs

The National Guard brings unique capabilities to the table, primarily in secure transportation and logistical support. Their expertise in safeguarding valuable assets, coupled with established networks and resources, makes them ideal partners for ASPs.

* National Guard Contributions:

* secure transport of medications, particularly controlled substances and high-value pharmaceuticals.

* Personnel support for large-scale medication take-back events.

* Assistance with inventory management and tracking.

* Rapid response capabilities during emergencies impacting the pharmaceutical supply chain (e.g., natural disasters).

* Authorized Service Providers (ASPs):

* Expertise in reverse logistics – the process of managing returns, recalls, and end-of-life medication disposal.

* Compliance with DEA regulations (Drug Enforcement Governance) and EPA guidelines (Environmental protection Agency).

* Specialized facilities for the proper incineration and medication destruction of pharmaceuticals.

* Detailed tracking and reporting systems for complete chain of custody.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The synergy between the National Guard and ASPs manifests in several key operational areas:

1. Secure Transportation of Pharmaceuticals

Protecting medications during transit is a primary concern. The National Guard provides a secure escort and transportation network, particularly for:

* High-value drugs: Oncology medications, specialty pharmaceuticals, and other expensive treatments.

* Controlled substances: Opioids, benzodiazepines, and other drugs with a high potential for abuse.

* Emergency medication deliveries: Ensuring timely access to life-saving drugs during crises.

* Temperature-sensitive medications: Maintaining the cold chain integrity for vaccines and biologics.

This often involves utilizing armored vehicles, trained personnel, and real-time tracking systems to mitigate the risk of theft or diversion. Pharmaceutical security is considerably enhanced through this partnership.

2. Medication Take-Back programs & Community Support

national Guard personnel frequently support community-based medication take-back programs. These events provide a safe and convenient way for the public to dispose of unwanted or expired medications, preventing them from being misused or contaminating the water supply.

* Event Logistics: Setting up collection sites,managing traffic flow,and ensuring secure storage of collected medications.

* Public awareness: Assisting with outreach efforts to promote participation in take-back events.

* Secure Handling: Transporting collected medications to ASP facilities for proper disposal.

3. Emergency Response & disaster Relief

Natural disasters and other emergencies can disrupt the pharmaceutical supply chain. The National Guard’s rapid response capabilities are crucial in these situations:

* Maintaining Supply Lines: Ensuring continued access to essential medications in affected areas.

* protecting Pharmaceutical Facilities: Safeguarding pharmacies,hospitals,and distribution centers from damage or looting.

* Emergency Medication Deliveries: Transporting medications to remote or inaccessible locations.

* Damage Assessment: Evaluating the impact of disasters on pharmaceutical infrastructure.

4. compliance and Regulatory Oversight

ASPs ensure all operations adhere to strict federal and state regulations. The National Guard’s involvement reinforces this commitment to compliance:

* DEA Regulations: Following guidelines for the handling and disposal of scheduled drugs.

* EPA Guidelines: Implementing environmentally sound pharmaceutical waste management practices.

* HIPAA Compliance: Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.

* Serialization & Track and Trace: Utilizing technologies to track medications throughout the supply chain,combating counterfeiting.

Benefits of National Guard & ASP Collaboration

This collaborative approach yields numerous benefits:

* Enhanced Security: Reduced risk of theft, diversion, and counterfeiting.

* Improved Compliance: Adherence to stringent regulations.

* Increased Efficiency: Streamlined logistics and faster response times.

* Environmental Protection: Responsible medication disposal, preventing water contamination.

* Public Safety: Reduced risk of accidental poisoning and drug abuse.

* cost Savings: Optimized logistics and reduced waste.

Practical Tips for Pharmacies & Healthcare Facilities

To leverage the benefits of this collaboration, pharmacies and healthcare facilities should:

1. Partner with DEA-registered ASPs: Ensure your reverse logistics provider is fully authorized and compliant.
2. Implement Secure Storage Protocols: Protect medications from theft and diversion.
3. Participate in Medication Take-Back Programs: Encourage patients to safely dispose of unwanted medications.
4. Maintain Accurate Inventory Records: Track medications throughout their lifecycle.
5. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes: Keep up-to-date with DEA and EPA guidelines.
6. Develop Emergency Preparedness Plans: Prepare for disruptions to the pharmaceutical supply chain.

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