NEW ORLEANS – The streets of the Eastern District of Louisiana are about to get a little cleaner, but the underlying rot remains. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is gearing up for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27th, a desperate attempt to stem the tide of a national opioid epidemic that’s swallowing lives whole. The event, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations across the country, is a tacit admission that we’re losing the war on drugs, one pill at a time.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser didn’t mince words, stating, “Unfortunately, the average medicine cabinet, overstocked with unused or expired medications, can unintentionally provide opportunities for abuse.” He’s right. It’s a breeding ground. A convenient supply line for addiction. DEA’s Take Back Day affords a unique opportunity to anonymously and safely remove these potential hazards and prevent them from affecting families and our communities.” But a single day isn’t a solution, it’s a band-aid on a gaping wound.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley laid bare the grim statistics. “Prescription drug abuse has become the nation’s fastest growing drug epidemic,” he said. “Last year, more Americans died from opioid overdoses than from all other drugs combined, including meth, cocaine and hallucinogens.” The source? Not shadowy dealers, but often the very people we trust – family and friends. “Unfortunately, these prescription drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets.” This initiative is about cutting off that easy access, a small victory in a much larger battle.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Last October, Americans surrendered 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,000 collection sites. Over 16 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have collected over 11 million pounds – more than 5,400 tons – of pills. It’s a monumental effort, and it’s free and anonymous. The DEA *will not* accept liquids, needles, or sharps; only pills or patches. Don’t try to dump hazardous waste – this is for unused prescriptions only.
The numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent lives shattered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 91 Americans die *every day* from opioid overdose. And the pipeline to heroin often starts with prescription painkillers. Four out of five new heroin users began their journey with legally prescribed pills. Flushing medications down the toilet or tossing them in the trash isn’t a solution; it pollutes our water and creates new risks. This Take Back Day is an attempt to address the dangerous situation of medications languishing in homes, ripe for diversion and abuse.
If you’re looking to participate, or just want more information, head to the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day website at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator or www.deatakeback.com. Search by zip code, city, or state to find a collection site near you. It’s a small step, but in a crisis this severe, every pill counts.
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- NC Residents Dump Tons of Pills, Battle Opioid Crisis · North Carolina
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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