Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials say a department program to safely collect unwanted syringes at mail-like boxes outside its stations may be a little too successful.
During the last five months, the boxes have been filled to the brim with nearly 32,000 needles, officials said. But because large batches of similar type syringes are being left, investigators believe some of the needles may be from the medical industry.
“We cannot trace the sources, but some of the needles look prepackaged like they are from a medical clinic,” said Steve Whitmore, a sheriff’s spokesman.
“These boxes are not for commercial use,” Whitmore said. “It says right on them.”
The boxes – similar to ones for safe drug drop-off — are for anonymous disposal of syringes, drugs and medications, officials said. In addition to the syringes, the department also has collected 1,200 pounds of medications and less than a gram of narcotics.
–Richard Winton
Photo: Times file
More breaking news in L.A. Now:
New fire chief named in Santa Monica
Californian denied out-of-state liver transplant by Anthem Blue Cross to save money, lawyer says
Teen mom birth rate in California continues decline
Villaraigosa proposes merging 2 city agencies to save $2 million
Crews work to repair burst water main on Crenshaw Boulevard in Hawthorne
Pit bull attack has Echo Park dog owners taking up arms
Ceremony marks start of expansion project at LAX international terminal
LAPD investigates home invasion robbery at Woodland Hills house used by rap label
Two LAPD officers slightly injured in South L.A. squad car crash