FOLEY, Ala. — According to Foley Police, Saturday’s participation in the National Drug Take-Back Initiative was a success.

“We had a great turnout,” Foley Police Investigations Commander Lt. David White said via email.

He explained that the program was twice as successful as its predecessor held just last fall.

“We took in about 7 pounds of medications last October and 14 Saturday,” White said.

The purpose of the national program is to give residents the opportunity to safely get rid of unwanted medications in their home, with no questions asked.

“We take in all kinds of medication,” White said, “but the majority are in pill form.”

Once police collect the medications, they’re then disposed of.

“The medications will be destroyed safely by officers here at the police department through a process that destroys the active ingredient in the medications and makes them inert,” White said.

According to the lieutenant, the program is important because it helps keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs away from those who might otherwise abuse them.

“Prescription medications are the most abused drug,” White said, “and this initiative helps eliminate the supply for people that abuse and sell them illegally.”

The Foley Police Department will hold its next initiative in October.