Truck drivers and trucking companies played an essential role in moving over 26,000 pounds of expired and unused prescription medications collected during the Arkansas Drug Take Back event on October 25, 2025. The operation involved Arkansas State Police (ASP) and the Arkansas National Guard (ANG), who used multiple tractor-trailers to safely consolidate and transport the medications.
Keeping Communities Safe
“Reducing the risk of prescription drug misuse begins at home,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of ASP and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety. “Each year, this initiative exemplifies the powerful collaboration between law enforcement and community members to help keep Arkansas safer for our families.”
Trucks were loaded at the ASP Troop A Headquarters in Little Rock, and the National Guard’s Counter Drug Program coordinated the transport to the Clean Harbors incineration facility in El Dorado, Arkansas.
“We appreciate the partnership and support Clean Harbors has provided,” said Arkansas Drug Director Tom Fisher. “From collection to disposal, the Take Back operation is an example of Arkansans working together to make communities safer.”
A Statewide Effort
This year, 140 law enforcement agencies and community partners managed 375 collection sites across all 75 counties in Arkansas. Each of ASP’s 12 Troop Headquarters acted as a regional hub to safely handle and consolidate the medications. Agencies involved included the Arkansas Drug Director’s Office, county sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Since the program began in 2010, Arkansas has safely collected and destroyed over 684,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription medications—more than 342 tons.
“This effort has significantly reduced opportunities for drug diversion and has helped safeguard community health throughout the state,” ASP said.
Why Truck Drivers Matter
Professional drivers and trucking companies were key to moving these medications safely from collection hubs to disposal facilities. Their experience handling freight and navigating Arkansas highways made the operation efficient and secure, highlighting the trucking industry’s role in public safety beyond traditional deliveries.
Source: The Trucker
