Drug turn-in event trounces previous effort

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office collected 123 pounds of unused or expired prescription drugs as part of the Drug Enforcement Agency's national turn-in event Saturday, Oct. 26

Residents dropped off 61 pounds at a Sarasota collection locations and 53 pounds in Venice, according to a Sheriff's Office news release. The total amount collected Saturday, was more than 55% greater than the 79 pounds turned in April 27, at the previous event.

The DEA and Sheriff's Office aim to reduce drug abuse, theft and even environmental hazards, among other objectives, by collecting the unused pharmaceuticals.

For those who missed the event, The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has permanent drop boxes at the Criminal Justice Center, 2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, which is open 24-hours a day, and the south county office, 4531 State Road 776, Venice, where the hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.