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LAPORTE — Potentially dangerous, unwanted and unused prescription medications can be dropped off at various locations Saturday as local law enforcement participate in the DEA's nationwide campaign "Operation Drop It and Lock It."

Pills can be disposed at four designated sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. The sites cannot accept needles or liquids. Sharps, which are considered an device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin, also cannot be accepted.

Prescription drug abuse rates in the U.S. are "alarmingly high," as are accidental poisoning and overdoses due to these drugs, according to the release.

"Studies indicate that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet," the release states.

The local effort is thanks to a parternship between the sheriff's office and the LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership, according to the release.

Pills can be dropped off Saturday at the following locations:

*LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, 809 State St., Suite #503A, LaPorte

*LaPorte City Police Department, 1206 Michigan Ave., LaPorte