Get Rid Of Old Rx Drugs at 'Take Back Day' Hosted by Murrieta Police

On April 26th, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Murrieta Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  

Bring your medications for disposal to the front lobby of the Murrieta Police Department at 2 Town Square.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 324 tons of prescription drugs at over 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and thousands of state and local law enforcement partners.  To date, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 3.4 million pounds-more than 1,700 tons-of pills. 

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly 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 their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.