DEA Taking Back Tons Of Drugs At Buyback Events
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - Drug buyback events across the Sunshine State have grown in popularity in recent years, so much so that the Drug Enforcement Administration is taking back literally tons of drugs.
The DEA said 8.5 tons of prescription drugs were collected in Florida during the most recent drug "take-back" day.
The DEA said Thursday that the event last Saturday involved 164 collection sites across the state. People brought in prescription drugs that were no longer wanted or had expired.
Nationwide, the DEA said about 324 tons of drugs were collected.
In the seven drug collection events held so far, Floridians have disposed of 52 tons of unwanted medications.
Miami DEA Chief Mark R. Trouville says the initiative is aimed at preventing prescription drug misuse and abuse.
Prescription drugs are abused in the U.S. more than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens and inhalants combined. The DEA says most of those abused drugs are obtained from family and friends.
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