RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - State and federal authorities teamed up for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this weekend.
The event overseen by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration was held Saturday at more than 210 locations across Virginia.
Law enforcement agencies collected unused medication and will safely dispose of it to prevent potential abuse by people who find it in the trash. Proper disposal also protects the environment.
The DEA says prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a doctor’s supervision, and can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose and addiction.
Officials say 3.4 million pounds of pills have been turned in nationwide since 2010.
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