United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Washington DC – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host its 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers anonymous disposal of unneeded/ expired medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medicine from circulation since its inception.

“Thanks to our local and state partners, we collected in the past event in October more than 33,500 lbs. TAKE BACK events are more relevant now than ever because many people who die from drug poisoning unknowingly consume fake pills laced with fentanyl. Our team has been working around the clock to have everything ready in the more than 300 collection sites available on April 22nd across the DMV,” mentioned Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division seized over 8.3 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl in 2022. “This lethal drug is poisoning our citizens regardless of age, race, residence, or socioeconomic status. It is extremely alarming that the amount of fentanyl [fake pills and powder] confiscated by our teams and state and local partners would have potentially killed 54% of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents”, Forget emphasized. 

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, and the cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. For more information and to find the nearest location site visit our webpage www.deaTakeBackday.com, and use the Collection Site Locator. 

DEA reminds everyone that legitimate pharmaceutical pills cannot be bought on social media. The only safe medications are those prescribed directly by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. For additional information and resources, including our Caregivers Fact Sheet, visit DEA.gov/onepill.

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