Operation Medicine Cabinet Collects Over 1000 Pounds of Unwanted Medications

Operation Medicine Cabinet collected over 1000 pounds of unwanted prescription medications during Saturday's event.

Officials with the sheriff's office called the amount an all-time record for the program.

The Pinellas County Strategic Diversion Task Force sponsored Operation Medicine Cabinet as part of  the second annual Florida Statewide Drug Take Back Event. It was also done in combination with Project Drug Drop of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs Information System (NADDIS), a part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

To date, they've collected 2.5 tons of medication, including 1038.10 pounds collected on Saturday.

There were 13 sites across Pinellas County and eight law enforcement agencies, including Largo Police, that worked together for the event. 

In a statement, Narcotic Division Sgt. Dan Zsido said the success of the program comes from law enforcement, community and business partnerships as well as the assistance of volunteers who participated in the collection effort.

Those who could not participate in the event may still drop off expired or unneeded medications in the lobby of the at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo or at the North District Station at 737 Louden Ave. in Dunedin.