To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

COLONIE, N.Y. -- Prescription drug abuse by teens is becoming an increasing problem across the state and the country. Today, U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian was on hand in Colonie to announce a new initiative to combat this issue.

Local and federal law enforcement officials joined Hartunian to discuss the fifth annual "National Take Back Day," which will focus on the safe disposal of prescription drugs. Drop-boxes will be available in locations across the area this Saturday for those who wish to get rid of their unused, unneeded, and expired drugs.

Hartunian said taking this simple action will make a big difference when it comes to teenagers' access to harmful drugs.

Hartunian said, "Teens think that these drugs are not risky. They don't have to go to the street corner to purchase them in a secret setting. They can go right into their family's medicine cabinets and get these drugs. And they think that because they've been prescribed to someone by a doctor that they're safe. That's not the case."

A statewide webinar called "Prescription Drug Abuse: Not What the Doctor Ordered" will also take place at 1 p.m. Friday.