U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and DEA announce 16th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – Mark your calendars for the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held on Saturday, October 27, at various locations throughout Shreveport, Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria and Lake Charles.

“Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an important service provided by the DEA and its law enforcement partners, and is a great opportunity for citizens to be a part of the fight against the opioid epidemic,” Joseph stated. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high.  This effort is a way to remove opioids and other drugs from our communities and reduce the chance of them finding their way into the wrong hands.  I would like to encourage everyone to join communities across the nation in this effort to safely and anonymously dispose of their expired and unused prescription medications.”

 “In the midst of this worst-ever opioid epidemic, where we’re losing over 166 people a day, it’s absolutely critical that we get unused prescription drugs out of homes and dispose of them safely at these Drug Take Back events,” said New Orleans Field Division DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. “Unfortunately, these drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets. This event provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Please do your part to keep our communities safe by participating in Saturday’s event.”

Last April, Americans turned in nearly 475 tons (949,046 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,700 of its state and local law enforcement partners.  Overall, in its 15 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in almost 10 million pounds—nearly 5,000 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

The DEA will have collection sites across the country on Saturday, October 27, for those who are interested in bringing their unused or expired prescription drugs for proper disposal.  Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites; liquids and needles or other sharp objects will not be accepted.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Prescription drugs can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:

 Shreveport

• Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Safety Town in the parking lot of Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8910 Jewella Ave.

 Monroe

• Louisiana State Police, Troop F, 3811 Desiard St.
• Monroe Police Department, 700 Wood St.
• Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, 400 St. John St.

 Alexandria

• Louisiana State Police, Troop E, 1710 Odom St.
• Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.

 Lafayette

• Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, 1825 W. Willow St.
• Louisiana State Police, Troop I, 121 E. Pont des Mouton Road
• Lafayette Police Department, University Hospitals and Clinics, 2390 W. Congress St.

 Lake Charles

• Lake Charles Police Department, Civic Center, 900 Lake Shore Drive

Please visit Takebackday.dea.gov or call 1-800-882-9539 for a complete list of collection sites.  Additionally, there are permanent drop-off boxes, which can also be found at Takebackday.dea.gov.