Gov. Peter Shumlin today announced that 5,800.4 pounds of prescription drugs were collected this past Saturday during the drug take back initiative in Vermont, representing the largest haul in the history of similar efforts in the state. Vermont’s drug take back day was part of a nationwide effort led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in partnership with local and state law enforcement to ensure the safe disposal of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs.

“I want to thank the DEA, U.S. Attorney Eric Miller, the Health Department, Sherriff Roger Marcoux, and all local law enforcement that participated in this past weekend’s effort,” Gov. Shumlin said. “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. 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. I want to thank everyone who participated.”

Previous drug take back days in Vermont have yielded as much as 3,000 pounds of unused prescriptions, about half of this year’s haul.