Law enforcement agencies in Butler County collected more than 600 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs during the National Take Back Day initiative held Saturday.

The countywide effort was part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's goal to reduce the number of drugs that could potentially be abused.

Cranberry Township police alone took in 342 pounds in its collection box at the station.

“The DEA has told us that what we collect is generally more than most municipalities combined,” said Cranberry police Sgt. Chuck Mascellino. “I don't know why that is.”

He noted that police promoted the event on its Facebook page and the township did likewise on its website.

The Butler City Police Department collected 90 pounds of pharmaceuticals and the Butler County Sheriff's Office collected another 179 pounds at its locations in the county.

The sheriff's office held two collections — at Unionville Fire Hall in Center Township and Sam's Club at Moraine Pointe Plaza in Butler Township.

Butler Police Chief Bob O'Neill reminded residents that his department has a turn-in box located in the vestibule at the police station at 200 W. New Castle St. to dispose of unwanted prescription medication year-round. Hypodermic needles are not accepted.