DEA New Orleans Division Removes Over 63,000 Pounds of Unused Medication; Arkansas Leads Nation in Collections
NEW ORLEANS – On April 25, 2026, the DEA New Orleans Field Division joined local law enforcement partners across the Gulf Coast for the 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Within the division (which covers Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama), communities successfully removed a combined 63,119 pounds of unneeded and expired medications from home medicine cabinets.
Most notably, the state of Arkansas demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to public safety, collecting 50,240 pounds of medication—more than any other state in the country during this spring event.
The divisional breakdown of collected medications is as follows:
- Arkansas: 50,240 lbs.
- Louisiana: 4,579 lbs.
- Alabama: 4,337 lbs.
- Mississippi: 3,963 lbs.
Nationwide, the DEA joined 4,306 law enforcement agencies at 4,417 collection sites, resulting in the removal of 642,410 pounds of unneeded medications.
“The overwhelming success of this event, particularly the record-breaking efforts in Arkansas, shows that our communities are taking the threat of prescription drug misuse seriously,” said Steven L. Hofer, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. “By removing these medications from our homes, we are closing a major door to potential addiction and accidental overdose before it can even start. Every pound collected represents a proactive step in protecting our families.”
Since its inception in 2010, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has collected 21,034,225 pounds, or more than 10,500 tons, of unnecessary medications.
For those who were unable to participate in the April 25th event, safe disposal remains available year-round. There are more than 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments that offer permanent drop boxes. To find a location near you, please visit the DEA’s Every Day is Take Back Day page.
Complete results for the Spring 2026 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are available at deatakeback.com.
The DEA encourages families to educate themselves about the dangers of drug misuse by visiting JustThinkTwice.com and GetSmartAboutDrugs.com. Follow the DEA New Orleans Division on X at @DEANewOrleans.
