Toby Talbot/AP
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen pills, also known as Vicodin, are arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 | 8:05 p.m.
Out of the roughly 1 million pounds of prescription drugs dropped off to be safely destroyed during the national Take Back Day, Nevadans contributed more than 8,000 pounds, according to the U.S. attorney for Nevada.
The 8,012 pounds of drugs were collected April 28 at 21 sites across the state, official said.
"Turning in unused and expired prescription drugs at a Take Back Day collection site may have prevented someone from becoming an addict or helped save a life in Nevada," said U.S. Attorney for Nevada Dayle Elieson in a news release, noting that those drugs could have been stolen or used abusively by family members.
The drug collection efforts, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, were launched 15 years ago when federal agencies found that disposing of the drugs in traditional ways, such as flushing them down toilets or tossing them in the trash, posed a safety and heath hazard, officials said. Since 2010, 9,964,714 pounds have been collected, officials said.
"The growing opioid epidemic must be confronted at every level: in our communities, across the state, and across our nation, and Take Back events afford us a unique opportunity to collaborate at each level," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dan Neill, for the DEA in Las Vegas, in the statement.
The next take back day will take place on Oct. 27, officials said. For full results, visit deatakeback.com.
