Ohioans Dispose of More than 14 Tons of Unwanted Pills

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today thanked Ohio residents for properly disposing of 14.2 tons (28,466 pounds) of unwanted prescription medications during last Saturday's drug take-back day.

The DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of prescription drug disposal.

"We are grateful to everyone who safely disposed of their unneeded pills last weekend, because now, fourteen tons of pills that could have ended up in the wrong hands will never have the opportunity to be abused or misused," said Attorney General DeWine.

"The success of Take Back is yet another example of federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies working in partnership with Ohioans in making their community safe," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon.

The DEA also reports that Kentucky residents disposed of 5.5 tons (11,152 pounds) of prescription drugs, and in Michigan, residents disposed of 6.4 tons (12,926 pounds) of pills.

Seven previous nationwide Take-Back events have removed a total of more than 3.4 million pounds of medication from circulation.

Those who are still in possession of unneeded prescription drugs can drop them off at one of several prescription drug drop box locations across the state. A list of prescription drug drop box locations provided by the Attorney General's Office is available on the Ohio Attorney General's website, http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov