MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A prescription drug take-back event held Saturday resulted in the collection of 72 garbage bags and about a dozen boxes of unwanted medications being turned in, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies said an estimated weight would put the collection at just over a ton, or about 2,200 pounds, estimating 30-35 pounds per bag.
The Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration held its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
"We are honored to take part in this program with the DEA so we can help our citizens not only clean out their cabinets of unused or unwanted drugs, but also to decrease the possibility of the theft and abuse of these medications," Sheriff Chris Blair said. "Please help us properly dispose of these drugs so we can achieve our goal of having a healthier and safer community."
Deputies said the service was free and anonymous with no questions asked.