DEA and Local Partners Host 18th National Drug Takeback on October 26th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LOS ANGELES – Over the course of 17 prior events, the National Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medications from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens. In continuation of this effort, DEA Los Angeles and its community partners will hold the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the Southland on Saturday, October 26th between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The service is free, anonymous, and provides the community an outlet to dispose of unwanted medications in an environmentally friendly manner.
For the first time DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges – in addition to tablets, capsules, patches, and other medications in solid forms – at any of its drop off locations. DEA is doing all it can to help dispose safely of vaping devices and liquids to get these products off our streets and out of the hands of kids.
Since inception, the DEA has collected a total of nearly 12 million pounds (more than 5,900 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events. This weekend, over 5,000 collection sites manned by nearly 4,000 partner law enforcement agencies will be open and collecting prescription medications. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.)
“This important event allows the public the opportunity to contribute to the solution and offers a safe way to dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs that can pose a threat to others. Raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse is the first step in prevention. The DEA in Los Angeles appreciates the public’s support and it is clearly shown by the large amounts of prescription drugs that are collected every year. We are also grateful to all our local law enforcement partners who help advertise and make this event successful throughout the Los Angeles area,” said DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge William D. Bodner.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The majority of prescription drug abusers say they get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet. Take Back Day is a unique opportunity for Americans to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft and abuse.
National Take Back Day has received enthusiastic public support since its inception in 2010. Last April, the public turned in 469 tons (940,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 6,000 sites nationwide with nearly 5,000 local law enforcement and tribal partners.
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For media inquiries please contact Public Information Officer Nicole Nishida at Nicole.K.Nishida@usdoj.gov
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