Nearly 200 tons of prescription drugs turned in

Nov 3, 7:56 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Drug Enforcement Administration says people turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired prescription medications in the agency's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29.

The DEA initiative that began 13 months ago has resulted in almost 500 tons of medications being taken out of circulation, with assistance from state, local and tribal law enforcement partners as well as community groups.

For the most recent collection day, 5,327 sites were set up around the country.

DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart says the amount of drugs collected during the three Take-Back Days held so far speaks volumes about the need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs, which could fall into the hands of abusers or pollute the environment.

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