DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event Draws Huge Turnout, Amasses Tons Of Medications
LOS ANGELES - The 10th DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back event garnered an overwhelming community response as citizens came out in vast numbers to dispose of unused prescription medications. Area residents turned in more than 31,168 (14.1 tons) of medication as part of the National Drug Take-Back program, a nationwide effort to help reduce prescription drug abuse. The event was held on Saturday, September 26th, and provided a safe, convenient and responsible means for disposing unused and unwanted medications.
“The amount of drugs collected clearly indicates the public is committed to reducing prescription drug abuse,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams. “DEA will continue the Take-Back initiative in conjunction with our law enforcement and community partners to ensure citizens are afforded the opportunity to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescription 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 Mariana (CNMI). DEA joined with more than 100 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 25,330 pounds. In Nevada, agents and local law enforcement officers collected 2,547 pounds of prescription medications. In Hawaii, Guam, and the CMNI, agents and local law enforcement officers collected 3,291 pounds of medications at locations throughout the islands.
Recent DEA drug disposal regulations authorize certain DEA registrants to become authorized collectors. Presently, there are 615 authorized collectors nationwide. DEA will continue holding Take-Back Days while these and other collectors’ take back programs are launched and expanded. The public may find authorized collectors in their communities by calling the DEA Office of Diversion Control’s Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539.
