On a blustery Saturday morning that led to as just a blustery afternoon, Roanoke Rapids Police Department narcotics agents Thomas Hathaway and Jamie Hardy stood under a tent at Walmart.

Their efforts braving the cold winds were made by worthwhile by chilling donations from the public — some 25,000 dosage units of unwanted, unneeded and expired prescription drugs.

A sampling of the pills collected.

There was some $300 worth of Oxycodone disposed of, one of the many prescription drugs that is being used recreationally across the area, region and state.

“It rampant,” Hathaway said of prescription drug abuse. “We're having more issues with it.”

It is an abuse that knows no barriers. “It's across all walks of life.”

One of things that has changed since it has become so prevalent is that State Bureau of Investigation is now allowed to check to see who is doctor shopping, Hathaway said. “Better means are in place now.”

The police department is seeing prescription drug abuse at the early ages of 11 and 12, he said, seeing instances of children trading pills.

Hardy said there have beeb several overdoses in the area from prescription drug abuse, some of the cancer drugs being the deadliest if they are misused. “Morphine patches, they can kill you.”

Said Hathaway, “If you're not under a doctor's care, you don't have a clue to the side affects or what they can do to you. You're playing Russian roulette.”

The drugs collected Saturday will be sent to the DEA for disposal. Hathaway said the police department is working with funeral homes which encounter the question of unwanted prescription drugs frequently.

Anyone who needs more information on what to do with unwanted or expired prescription drugs is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810.