DEA collects 13 tons of prescription meds in southland take-back operation

More than 13 tons of unused prescription drugs werecollected in Riverside and six other counties during National Prescription DrugTake-Back Day on April 27, it was announced today.

Local law enforcement agencies from Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange,Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and San Luis Obispo counties collectedthe potentially dangerous medications from members of the public during thesixth annual event, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Many collection sites provided “drive-thru” service for convenience.Community groups and coalitions also joined with local law enforcement agenciesto provide drug awareness literature and community resource information.

According to a 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration survey, twice as many Americans regularly abused prescriptiondrugs than the number of those who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens,heroin and inhalants combined.

That same study revealed more than 70 percent of people abusingprescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statisticthat includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

A total of 371 tons of prescription drugs were collected nationwideduring take-back day this year.