Law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of West Virginia are set to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This initiative seeks to aid residents in eliminating unused or unneeded prescription medications to reduce the potential for misuse.
Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard emphasized the importance of this program: "The Drug Take Back program is an excellent opportunity to take inventory of the leftover and outdated prescription drugs that are stored in your home," he stated. "Providing the unused drugs to the DEA as part of the program is a great way to make your home a safe place for those you love. It safeguards our children and prevents abuse of the drugs by others. It also keeps the discarded drugs out of landfills and our water."
The event will accept solid forms of prescription drugs, such as tablets, capsules, and patches. Liquids, like cough syrups, must remain in their original containers and tightly sealed. Vaping devices and cartridges are also accepted, provided the lithium batteries are removed. However, syringes, sharps, and illicit substances are not part of the collection.
There are 4,500 collection sites across the nation. To find a location nearby, visit the DEA's official website at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.