ROCHESTER, Minn. - This past Saturday was Drug Take Back Day and it provided residents with an opportunity to dispose of old medications, aiming to reduce potential abuse.

While this year's event saw a little bit of a decrease in the amount of medicine submitted, Rochester police said that it was still a success. More than 170 pounds of medicine was collected, with 126 cars participating. At least 35% of these vehicles dropped off some form of opiate.

Captain Tim Parkin of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office said that although the numbers were down, he believes the community is becoming more aware of the importance of safe medication disposal.

"I do believe that that's a good problem to have," Parkin said. "The community has become more aware, I believe, in the safe disposal of medica

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