Valley authorities collect prescription drugs

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Saturday the Merced and Fresno County Sheriff's Offices collected bags stuffed full of prescription pills. The local program is part of a national effort aimed at stopping prescription drug abuse.

The third annual event is free and anonymous. Deputies say asking no questions encourages more people to participate.

Law enforcement says the tiny tablets are a big problem. Deputy Tom MacKenzie with the Merced County Sheriff's Office says, "Prescription drugs is the most abused drug across the nation and it's mostly used by kids or teens."

The Drug Enforcement Administration says Americans turned in more than 350,000 pounds of prescription drugs last year. The misuse of those drugs is something Janan Mowrer sees often.

She works for a home health care service. Mowrer says, "A lot of times they are called 'pharm parties,' where teenagers are now bringing the prescription drugs of their parents, putting them in bowls," she adds teens often mix the pills with alcohol.

The DEA is urging people to turn in their pills. The agency says flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash is a safety and health hazard.

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fresno county sheriff department, merced county sheriff department, local, mariana jacob

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