United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS - On the tenth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held on September 26, 2015, the New Orleans Field (NOFD) and its community law enforcement partners collected 49,581* - pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs at 343 collection sites throughout the division.  Nationally, 702,365 pounds of prescription drugs were turned in by the general public across the country at more than 5,000 sites.  This brought the total amount of drugs collected nationwide in five years to 5,525,021 pounds. 

“Prescription drug trafficking and abuse is our nation’s fastest growing drug problem and destroys countless lives. This widespread problem can only be countered by an effective collaboration among law enforcement, the medical community, and the public to identify and stop those responsible for the illegal distribution and abuse of prescription drugs in our communities.” said Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown.
                       
The NTBI addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.5 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs.  That same study showed that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  The DEA’s NTBI events are also a significant piece of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s prescription drug abuse prevention strategy. 

In his Weekly Address, President Obama spoke about the importance of preventing and treating substance use disorders and called on Americans to participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.  
*Revised data reflects increase from previously reported division total.