LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California are expected to take part this weekend in a nationwide effort to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs and other medications.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will sponsor “Nationwide Prescription Take Back Day” on Saturday in coordination with local law enforcement agencies and community partners to provide an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unneeded pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction.

In the five previous Take-Back events, DEA in conjunction with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds – nearly 1,020 tons – of prescription medications were removed from circulation, according to officials.

Steve Pasierb of DrugFree.org told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO new data suggests more teens are abusing drugs they find at home.

“What we see is over the last five years a 33 percent increase in teen misuse and abuse of prescription drugs,” Pasierb said. “So even though this has got a ton of attention, things are not turning around.”

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Click here for a full list of Southland agencies participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.