The Biloxi Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration are offering the public a chance to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs, which often become sources of abuse.
The two agencies will offer another free drug take-back sessions, at the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, on Porter Avenue two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse, on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested can drop off any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs in this free, anonymous, no-questions-asked service.
No liquids, needles or sharps can be accepted, only pills or patches.
Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds – more than 2,400 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.
Lean more from the DEA Office of  Diversion Control
