DEA collecting unwanted prescription drugs

Several law enforcement agencies in the metro area will be collecting unwanted prescription drugs.

The agencies are taking part in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Drugs will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Washington County Sheriff's department is among the participants. Sheriff Bill Hutton said the collections are an important tool in combating drug abuse.

"It's getting it out of the hands of individuals who obviously do not need them," Hutton said.

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Past department collections have averaged 300 pounds, he said. Medications should not be flushed down the drain. But they may be thrown in the trash if drugs are concealed and made unfit to consume.

The DEA program has collected more than 2 million pounds of medications nationwide. Many local law enforcement and other government agencies, including Washington County, also collect unwanted meds year-round.

The DEA program has collected more than 2 million pounds of medications. Many law enforcement and other government agencies also collect unwanted medications year-round, including Washington, Ramsey, Dakota and Hennepin counties. Unwanted meds should not be flushed down the drain. But they may be thrown in the trash if drugs are concealed and made unfit to consume.

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