(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that Ohioans turned in more than 9 tons of prescription drugs during this past weekend’s Drug Take Back Day events. The 18,672 total pounds turned in was over 4,000 pounds greater than the amount turned in during the fall 2010 Drug Take Back Day.
“Turning in unwanted and unused prescription drugs helps protect our families in so many ways. It prevents young children and grandchildren from possible poisoning emergencies, removes possible theft targets from drug traffickers, and lessens the likelihood that these pills can be abused by teens and adults alike,” said Attorney General DeWine.
Almost half of the total (8,728 pounds) came from returns in the Cleveland area. According to the U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), a Drug Take Back Day partner, totals reported by its regional offices were as follows:
- Cincinnati: 3,654 pounds
- Cleveland: 8,728 pounds
- Columbus: 1,455 pounds
- Dayton: 1,114 pounds
- Toledo: 2,103 pounds
- Youngstown: 1,618 pounds
- Total from Ohio: 18,672 pounds
This weekend’s event was the third national Drug Take Back Day organized in recent years. The fall 2010 event yielded 15,501 pounds turned in across Ohio, and the spring 2011 event yielded 21,098 pounds turned in.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office will continue to work with local law enforcement, the DEA, and other partners to organize and promote further Drug Take Back Day events in 2012.
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