SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, September 26, the Santa Monica Police Department, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be organizing a prescription drug take-back drive for residents of Santa Monica and the neighboring communities.
The event will take place at 333 Olympic Drive in Santa Monica from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The SMPD urges residents needing to dispose of prescription drugs or medications to utilize the one-day drive. Drugs of such nature are often easily accessible and digestible by infants or young children. Draining and flushing the drugs can also lead to environmental damage. Those who participate in the cost-free drive will be allowed to remain anonymous.
During the same day and hours, cities all over the country from California to West Virginia will host a similar drug drive. The event is a part of an annual, nationwide effort by the DEA to eliminate the threat of excessive or unwanted prescription drugs.
Santa Monica Crime Prevention Coordinator Suzie Lockwood said that the drive in the city will be staffed by one DEA agent, one sworn SMPD officer, and one volunteer.
Lockwood also mentioned that a permanent prescription drop-off box will be put in place just outside the doors of the facility for those who are unable to stop by the drive on Saturday.
According to the DEA, approximately 617,150 pounds or 309 tons of medication in the form of prescription painkillers, tablets, capsules, and controlled substances was collected during the previous year’s drive.
California’s collected amount constituted the greatest portion of that total with about 56,600 pounds. A total of about 200 California local law enforcement agencies participated in that event and organized just under 5,500 collection sites.
Now in its fourth year, the DEA hopes to add substantially to its 4.8 million pounds of medication it has already disposed of.
Those needing more information on the Santa Monica drive can call the Community Affairs Division of the SMPD at the number (310) 458-8474.
