Richland sheriff, Columbia police ask people to turn in unused pain meds. Here's how. David Travis Bland, The State (Columbia, S.C.) Apr. 24—Last year more people died of drug overdoses in Richland County than the previous year, Sheriff Leon Lott said at a Friday news conference. He and others hope at least one life can be saved by asking people to get rid of unused prescription pain medications on Saturday during National Drug Take Back Day. "You can help save someone's life," Lott said at the conference. Lott and state Attorney General Alan Wilson along with the Columbia Police Department are encouraging people to turn in prescription opoids that may be sitting around people's houses.