The Lake Charles Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to take back unwanted prescription drugs.

LCPD Officers will be on-site, set up near the front entrance of the Walmart Neighborhood Market (2011 Ryan St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27. Residents are encouraged to bring their unwanted prescription pills for disposal during this time. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches.

The service is free and anonymous.
This take-back event will give the public its 26th opportunity in 15 years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

Last year, Americans turned in 600,000 lbs. of prescription drugs at more than 4,900 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,600 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 25 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 17 million pounds 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.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods are disposing of unused medicines such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27, 2024 “Take Back Day” event, contact Sgt. Shawna Aymond at (337) 491-1320.