SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is hailing this weekend's Operation Medicine Cabinet as a success.

Nearly 350 people turned in 277 pounds of unused and expired medications at six locations throughout Sarasota County.

"It was gratifying to hear that citizens felt this event was a great service," said Sheriff Knight.

"Many people commented that they had held onto their prescriptions for years, not knowing how to safely discard them without negatively impacting the environment.

"Based on the overwhelming response, we will certainly hold medication turn-in events in the future and explore other options for proper disposal."

Sheriff Knight also thanked Walgreens for supporting this initiative, allowing the Sheriff's Office to set up at five stores and providing $5 gift cards to each person who dropped off medications.

Officers from the Sarasota Police Department, Venice Police Department, North Port Police Department and Longboat Key Police Department also assisted this effort.