Collection event takes in record amount of prescription drugs

The Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Ohio Drug Task Forces, sheriff’s offices, local police and fire departments, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Drug Awareness and Prevention Inc., and many other local organizations, held its second jointly-organized Operation: Medicine Cabinet & DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 28.

“Operation Medicine Cabinet is all about providing a service to our citizens who we have sworn to protect and serve, and to have a positive effect upon our environment,” said Jeff Capretto, Special Agent in Charge of the Westshore Enforcement Bureau Drug Task Force.

According to DEA Resident Agent in Charge Gene Corley, the exact poundage in our Northeast Ohio counties was 14,033 pounds, a new record!

“This hugely successful collection demonstrates that our communities came together to proactively reduce drug abuse.  We reduced the supply of illicit prescription drugs for many of Northeast Ohio’s young people,” said Nancy Pommerening, director of Drug Awareness and Prevention Inc. “We would like to thank the residents who participated.”