Officials mark statewide end of Operation Medicine Drop

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Local, state and federal agencies have delivered more than 17,000 pounds of medications collected during a week-long operation to collect unused prescriptions.

The State Bureau of Investigation says 96 law enforcement agencies participated in 200 events across North Carolina receiving unused prescription drugs from anyone who wanted to dispose of them.

Studies show that about 75 percent of all prescription medications abused by young people for non-medical purposes were found in homes of friends and families. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention advises that half of all young people who visit the emergency departments are there because of an overdose.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)