Osceola deputies collect hundreds of pound of drugs on 'Drug Take Back Day'

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office collected 389 pounds of prescription drugs during the National Drug Take Back Initiative Saturday.

• The Sheriff's Office collected 389 pounds of prescription drugs
• National Drug Take Back Day brings awareness to prescription drug abuse
• Other law enforcement agencies also participated in the event.

The Sheriff’s Office held the four-hour event at four locations throughout the county.

The one-day, nationwide event brings attention to the issue of pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse.

“Turning in expired, unwanted or unused prescription and non-prescription drugs prevents mistaken use and availability to others such as children or individuals who might discover them,” said Sheriff Bob Hansell. “It is also environmentally the safest way for disposal.”

Since 2011, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has collected 2,000 pounds of prescription drugs during the program.

Other law enforcement agencies in Central Florida also participated in the event.