Last Saturday was Drug Take Back Day, held at the Bridgton Community Center. Bridgton Police took away six boxes containing 270 pounds.

Maine took in a total of 31,180 pounds.

“Thanks to all who participated in the ‘Drug Take Back’ day. This is an important event that helps to keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of our children and grandchildren,” BPD Chief Rick Stillman said.

On a bigger scale, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced that DEA New England and its partners collected 92,875 pounds of prescription drugs, electronic vaping devices and cartridges during the 18th National Drug Take Back Day. The following is a breakdown of collected weights for the New England states:

Massachusetts – 30,959 pounds

New Hampshire – 12,266 pounds

Connecticut – 6,958 pounds

Vermont – 6,734 pounds

Rhode Island – 4,778 pounds

“Thanks to the public, 46 tons of unwanted, expired, unused, unwanted prescription drugs, electronic vaping devices and cartridges have now been taken out of harm’s way across New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These events are only made possible through the hard work of our law enforcement, coalitions and community partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts.”

The 92,875 pounds of drugs and vaping materials collected last month is almost four times the 25,810 pounds of unwanted drugs that DEA New England and its partners collected during the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in September 2010.