DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Provides Citizens Opportunity To Dispose Of Tons Of Medication
LOS ANGELES - Anthony D. Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, announced today that area residents turned in more than 35,(17.5 tons) of medication as part of the 8th DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Program. This event was held on Saturday, April 26th, and provided a safe, convenient and responsible means for disposing unused and unwanted medications.
“The tremendous community response to the Drug Take Back Program underscores the public’s commitment to reduce prescription drug abuse,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams. “DEA will continue to partner with law enforcement and community organizations to ensure citizens are provided opportunities for safe and convenient disposal of these medications.”
The DEA Los Angeles Field Division encompasses seven counties in the greater Los Angeles area, the States of Nevada and Hawaii, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI). DEA joined with more than 120 state and local law enforcement partners to host collection sites throughout the area.
In the Los Angeles area, local law enforcement agencies from Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties collected 28,456 pounds. In Nevada, agents and local law enforcement officers collected 3,412 pounds of prescription medications. In Hawaii, Guam, and the CMNI, agents and local law enforcement officers collected 3,203 pounds of medications at locations throughout the islands.
Since the first DEA-coordinated Take Back Event, 193,567 (97 tons) of prescription medication have been removed from circulation in the greater Los Angeles area, Nevada and Hawaii.
The national results of the last Take Back Day’s to include collection amounts by state can be seen at www.dea.gov.
