More than 5,800 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs were safely collected Saturday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Southern West Virginia and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The drugs were collected throughout West Virginia as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, the release said. In total, 5,876 pounds were collected from citizens and households at over 100 collection sites in West Virginia, the release said.
"Prescription drug abuse is an issue that touches all West Virginians," said Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Casto in the media release. "DEA's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events continue to be successful here because all of us want to take an active role in preventing drug abuse. Removing unused prescription medication from the home and properly disposing of it helps keep our communities safer."
DEA Resident Agent in Charge Suzan Williamson said in the release that the event works due to the strong partnership between the DEA and law enforcement agencies.
"National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day allows us to work together to cut off a significant source of the drug supply," Williamson said in the release. "We will continue fighting drug abuse by providing a safe place for West Virginians to get rid of their unused prescription medication."