Portland joins national movement, hosting drug takeback event to prevent addiction [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Since unwanted or expired medication all too often becomes a gateway to addiction, special drug take back events are held twice a year to stop the flow of drugs in the community.

On Saturday, the City of Portland’s Safe Blocks Program and the Portland Police Bureau partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration to help people empty their medicine cabinet for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

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Back in April, they reportedly collected over 1,600 pounds of prescription drugs.

“It’s a good opportunity for the community to come see police officers interact with them as well as interacting with other government workers like ourselves,” said King Tran, a program coordinator with Safe Blocks.

“It’s also really important to be able to educate the community on how to dispose properly of prescription medication,” noted Rocio Garcia, another Safe Blocks program coordinator.

Mayor Wheeler …