DEA’s National Drug Take-Back Day Urged by U.S. Attorney Hartunian

Syracuse, NY – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is set to sponsor a nationwide drop-off initiative for the public to dispose of unused prescription drugs, announced by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and DEA Resident Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10 am to 2 pm, individuals across the nation can safely discard their unneeded medications at designated locations as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid dosage forms will be collected, but liquids, syringes, and illegal drugs are excluded.

Hartunian emphasized the importance of responsibly disposing of prescription drugs to prevent abuse and addiction, noting that the DEA’s event offers a secure, convenient, and anonymous method for medication disposal.

During the 11th Take Back Day in April, the DEA, alongside over 4,200 law enforcement partners, collected nearly 893,498 pounds of unwanted prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 collection sites. Since its inception six years ago, the program has collected approximately 6.4 million pounds of drugs.

For more information and to locate a drop-off site near you, visit www.dea.gov and click on the “Got Drugs?” link or call 800-882-9539.

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