NEW JERSEY (1010 WINS)  -- The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New Jersey says more than 9,000 pounds of medicines were collected in a statewide drive that encouraged residents to turn in unused, unwanted and expired medicines.

Nearly 3 1/2 million pills, with a street value of approximately $35 million dollars, were collected during "Operation Medicine Cabinet," DEA Special Agent in Charge Gerald McAleer said.


Steve Sandberg reports

About 20,000 New Jerseyans voluntarily turned in their medications at collection sites set up at more than 440 police and sheriff's departments.

"These are prescription cabinet type of medications. We know we have a lot of pain killers. We've had a lot of people who had cancer treatment and pain alleviation drugs for home treatment. It's a vast array," McAleer said.

The pills will be incinerated.

Angelo Valente, of the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey, says the campaign brought attention to the issue of abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and prompted thousands of people to rid their homes of a potentially deadly hazard for children.

"If we save one life we will have accomplished our mission," Valente said.

Photos by Steve Sandberg