Drug Take Back Day is April 30

SEAL BEACH POLICE/DEA

On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Seal Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give residents an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring prescription pills to the Main Gate for disposal. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that flushing medicines down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety hazards.

“Throughout Orange County, we hear of tragic events in which people die from an overdose of prescription medication,” said Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak. “By creating this opportunity for the community to safely dispose of their unused and expired medication, our goal is to help prevent access to dangerous prescription medication. We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Golden Rain Foundation and Leisure World community for allowing us to host this event at their main entrance.”

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Take Back Day event, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/.