Vermonters turned in nearly three tons of prescription drugs over the weekend, part of a nationwide event coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
The annual drug take-back day, which took place Saturday, aims to cut down on access to prescription drugs, particularly opiates.
This year, the annual drug take-back day netted 5,800 pounds of prescriptions in Vermont — nearly twice the amount turned in last year and the largest amount collected in the state’s history, according to a statement from Gov. Peter Shumlin’s office Monday.
Shumlin, whose anti-opiate position in recent weeks has earned him an op-ed in The New York Times and stage time with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, applauded the turnout in Vermont.
“The increased amount of drugs that were taken in this year is a good indication that Vermonters are doing their part to combat addiction and make our state a safer place,” Shumlin said in a statement.
“Prescription drugs that fall into the wrong hands, on purpose or by accident, can help fuel addiction, crime, and in some cases the loss of life,” he said.
