DEA Seizes 2 Tons of Prescription Drugs, Alaska 2024

Anchorage, Alaska — On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 19 collection sites across Alaska will open their doors to a silent epidemic: the unchecked stockpiles of expired, unused, and potentially lethal prescription drugs rotting in home medicine cabinets. The Drug Enforcement Administration, alongside local law enforcement and community partners, is leading the charge in the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day — a no-questions-asked operation targeting the root of America’s opioid crisis.

Last October, Alaskans handed over 3,977 pounds — nearly 2 tons — of prescription medications. That’s 7,954 pounds of poison diverted from kids’ reach, stolen prescriptions, and accidental overdose. This isn’t just housecleaning. It’s harm reduction in the rawest sense. Every bottle dropped into a secure bin is one fewer weapon available for addiction to take hold.

‘Take Back Day is a unique opportunity for Alaskans to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft and abuse,’ said U.S. Attorney Schroder. ‘Our country is in the midst of an opioid crisis, and all too often the abuse begins with prescription drugs. Getting old and unneeded prescriptions out of the home can help prevent addictions from starting.’

Michael Root, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, didn’t mince words: ‘Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that is plaguing the nation.’ He emphasized that flushing pills or tossing them in the trash risks contaminating water supplies and endangering sanitation workers. The EPA and FDA have both warned against it. That’s why DEA’s program exists — to offer a safe, anonymous alternative. But the clock is ticking. Every unused opioid is a loaded gun waiting in a drawer.

Since its launch nine years ago, DEA’s Take Back Day has collected nearly 11 million pounds — more than 5,400 tons — of unwanted drugs nationwide. This year, nearly 5,000 law enforcement agencies will staff around 6,000 collection sites. Alaska’s 19 drop-off points are part of that national net. But there are limits: no liquids, no needles, no sharps. Just pills, patches, and solid forms of temptation.

For those sitting on old painkillers from a surgery two years ago, or anxiety meds that didn’t work — this is the moment. Go to www.DEATakeBack.com, plug in your zip code, find the nearest site, and drop them off. No names. No receipts. No second chances for addiction. This is damage control, Alaskan style — cold, direct, and necessary.

RELATED: DEA Seizes 40 Tons of Unused Pills in Vermont Take Back Blitz