Tag: dea

Prescription Drug Buy Back Is This Saturday

October 22, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Roberto Sorin
SANTA MONICA—On October 21, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) issued a press release announcing that they will be participating in the 29th annual prescription drug take back program on Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 333 Olympic Drive in Santa Monica. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began this nationwide effort sixteen years ago. It gives Americans a way to safely dispose of unneeded/unwanted/expired medications. This is a two-part effort. Disposing of old medications can also be a form of prevention of drug abuse. According to the DEA, there are close to 4,500 drop-off locations nationwide. The National Take Back Day has taken in over 19.8 million pounds which is the equivalent of 10,000 tons of medication. This removes these drugs from circulation, keeping them out of the hands of those who may experiment or overdose on them. Expired prescription or OTC cough syrups, and other medications brought to the Take Back Locations must be in their original bottle with the tops closed. It’s okay if the medication has been opened or partially used. The lid has to be on it and sealed tight to prevent leakage. Collection sites do not accept sharps/syringes/illicit drugs.   By Sharon

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

October 23, 2024 ·

Photo courtesy of James Yarema.

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced on its website on October 22, that Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at the Public Safety Facility located at 333 Olympic Drive in Santa Monica.

The DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. For over a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at close to 5,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent any leakage.

For more details and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.

By Trevor