Local Law Enforcements Collect Prescription Drugs

The has once again partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the department, located at 65 Plaza Street, will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

During the last initiative Loudoun County law enforcement agencies collected over 250 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at the first-ever “Take-Back” initiative. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards. 

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. This site will be continuously updated with new take-back locations.