EAST HARTFORD - Saturday in Connecticut - and across the country - people turned in their unwanted prescription drugs as part of National Drug Take-Back Day.
In East Hartford police officers worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration on the take-back, designed to prevent pill abuse by having people turn in their expired and unused drugs. The service was free and anonymous with no questions asked.
"A lot of these pills and pain killers can be a pathway to heroin addiction," said Sergeant Josh Litwin. "Dispose of these pills in a proper way."
State Police and the DEA began working together to get old presctription drugs our of medecing cabinet, in light of the opiod epidemic.
After a successful campaign placing prescription drug drop boxes across Connecticut yielded 23,000 pounds of unused pills last year, 11 more boxes were added this year, located at each Connecticut State Police barracks. The 60 drop boxes placed last year were located at municipal police departments throughout the state.
Gov. Dannel Malloy said certain prescription drugs can lead youths toward heroin, and the state must “do all that we can” to combat the national and statewide opioid crisis.
Officials say 415 people died from heroin-related overdoses in Connecticut last year.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris said proper drug disposal is “an important piece of the puzzle” in helping those suffering from and affected by addiction.
This was the 11th time the event was held.
Last September, Americans turned in 350 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites nationwide.