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Prosecutors Form Coalition To Fight Crime, Drug Abuse

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Representatives from Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties got together Tuesday to talk about what they can do about the growing concern in the metro about prescription drug abuse.

"I think the public is completely unaware that there are as many Americans, as I mentioned, 12 million every year, who are illegally using prescription medications," said James Backstrom, Dakota County attorney. "And there are people dying every day, so we need to get the message out, we need to share information."

The county attorneys and sheriffs say parents need to keep an eye on prescriptions at home, and dispose of all unused drugs.

The three counties plan to hold a series of education forums for the public.

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