DOWNEY - More than 445 pounds of unwanted or unused prescription medication were collected by Downey Police at a roundup event last Saturday outside the Discovery Sports Complex.The weight of the medications is a 37 percent increase over the amount turned in at a similar event last spring, city officials said. A "large number" of syringes were also collected. The event was part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day taking place across the country, which aims to reduce prescription drug abuse in the U.S. More Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, hallucinogens and heroin combined, according to statistics. Studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including expired medication from the home medicine cabinet. The roundup event in Downey was made possible by the Downey Police Department, the Los Angeles division of the Drug Enforcement Administration and community volunteers. All collected medicines and syringes were disposed of by the DEA.

********** Published: November 03, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 29