DEA New England Field Division collects over 44 tons of prescription drugs during the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

BOSTON – The final tally is in from the 17^th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27, 2019. The  United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division and its partners, over the course of four hours, collected 89,366 pounds or over 44 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at 583 collection sites throughout New England. This is in comparison to the first National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in September 2010, when the division collected 25,810 pounds of unwanted drugs. 

“We are excited to see that New Englanders are motivated and continue to make their homes safer for our youth,” said DEA New England Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen, or resold. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our law enforcement, coalitions and community partners, and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts.”

The following is a breakdown of collected weight in pounds for the six New England States:

Conn. – 8,361.80
Mass. – 28,117.50
Maine – 27,680
N.H. – 14,180
R.I. – 4,465
Vt. – 6,562
Total - 89,366.3