“Thank you to our CSLEA -CAFDI members who volunteered to assist with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  This effort helps to prevent drug abuse in our homes, neighborhoods and communities.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO – On April 22 and April 25, 2026, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who work at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug Branch assisted at drop off locations in Richmond and Elk Grove to support the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

CDPH peace officers assisted at collection sites during a pre-event held on April 22nd at CDPH’s East End Complex, Richmond District Office, and the main event on April 25, 2026, at the Barbara Morse Wackford Community & Aquatic Complex, in Elk Grove.

“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 and Brian Kennelly. Together they collected 112 pounds of unwanted and unused medication, safely delivering them to the DEA for proper disposal.