Long Beach PD Collects 500 Lbs of Prescription Drugs

The Long Beach Police Department, like law enforcement agencies across the nation, helped clear unneeded prescription drugs out of potential harm's way with a drive-by collection event as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Pharmaceutical Take-Back initiative. 

The goal is simple — prevent increased pill abuse and theft. LBPD and agencies across the board have said that this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. 

In most cases the DEA has found that the majority of prescription drugs collected are expired, unused and unwanted. 

According to a LBPD press release, 500 pounds of pharmaceuticals were collected in a drive-thru service. The release also stated that all pharmaceuticals collected were turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.

As a reward for turning in unwanted or unused prescription drugs, drivers of the 25th, 50th, and 75th participating vehicles were awarded a pair tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The press release stated that prescription drug abuse in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to their availability. 

“Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets,” the release stated. “In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away … both potential safety and health hazards.”

If you would like more information on the National Take Back Initiative, please visit www.dea.gov or contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Drug Investigations Section at 562-570-7221.