SACRAMENTO – Collecting unused and/or expired prescription drugs at safe drop off locations from individuals who no longer need them is one way to help prevent drug abuse in our country.  That’s why peace officers from the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch assisted at drop off locations throughout the state on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2022.

“This is a great opportunity to keep unused prescription drugs from being abused by family members and visitors to your home.  It keeps the drugs out of our landfills and sewage systems as well,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Thank you to our CSLEA members at CDPH who staffed drop-off locations and collected pounds of prescription drugs for safe disposal.”

“Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to assist in this event. We hope to have more CAFDI members participate in this event next year!” said CSLEA Director and California Association of Food and Drug Investigators (CAFDI) President Joel Lambert.

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and ecologically responsible method of prescription drug disposal while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of dangerous and addictive medications.

Assisting at drop-off locations were CSLEA Director and CAFDI President Joel Lambert and CSLEA/CAFDI members Samantha Mauldin, Johnny Oh, Katelyn Gomez, Lilian Araiza, Chantha Rann, and Nicole Zugsmith.  Together they collected 261 pounds of unwanted and unused medication.