More than a ton of pills and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia were turned over to law enforcement Saturday in an effort to reduce teen drug abuse.

Drug Disposal Day, held Saturday at seven Kroger stores in central Ohio, was a collaboration between NBC4, Roxane Laboratories, Kroger and sheriff’s offices in Franklin, Delaware and Licking counties. The goal of the event is to prevent teen prescription drug abuse by offering a way to safely dispose of expired and unused medications.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office collected 2,334 pounds of pills and miscellaneous items from five Kroger stores. Delaware County deputies reported 172 pounds of pills and liquids were collected in Delaware, while Licking County deputies collected 86.6 pounds in Pataskala.

Almost 4.5 million teens report trying prescription drugs for recreational purposes. The Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse campaign has helped deputies safely dispose more than five tons of drugs collected at Drug Disposal Day events since 2011.

Roxane Laboratories, located in Columbus, Ohio, manufactures, packages, and distributes a wide variety of multisource, brand and consumer healthcare pharmaceutical products. Their employees are dedicated to serving our central Ohio community. Each year, they donate more than $250,000 and hundreds of volunteer hours to local organizations that promote public health, math and science education, and community well-being.

NBC4 (WCMH-TV) is A Media General Company and an affiliate station of NBC. NBC4 delivers relevant content, accurate weather, and keeps you connected through outreach and advocacy in the community. When, where and how you need us.