State police and DEA team up for National Take Back Initiative

Louisiana State Police will be participating statewide in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Take Back Initiative Saturday, Sept. 25.

DEA’s National Take Back Initiative is a nationwide coordinated effort with state and local enforcement agencies to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from households across the country.

This initiative provides the public with the opportunity to surrender pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to their local law enforcement officers for disposal and destruction.

The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates there are 6.2 million current non-medical users of psychotherapeutic drugs in the United States.

The NSDUH survey further indicates there are more Americans abusing psychotherapeutic drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers and anti-anxiety medications than the number of cocaine, heroin and hallucinogenic drugs abusers combined.

Expired, unused or unwanted controlled dangerous substances in our homes are a potential source of supply that can fuel this abuse and pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

All Louisiana State Police Troop offices will be participating as drop locations for designated controlled dangerous substances for one day only Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Troopers will be working in conjunction with DEA agents to receive these substances and ensure they are properly disposed. Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter medications will be accepted for collection. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

This is an anonymous program. No identification will be requested from donors who choose to participate. Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the receiving container at the drop site.

Individuals are encouraged to remove labels with personal identifying information before disposal.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

The following State Police Troop offices are designated drop locations:

Troop A 7919 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Troop B 2101 I-10 Service Road Kenner, LA 70065

Troop C 4047 West Park Avenue Gray, LA 70359

Troop D 805 Main Street Lake Charles, LA 70615

Troop E 1710 Odom Street Alexandria, LA 71301

Troop F 1240 LA Hwy 594 Monroe, LA 71203

Troop G 5300 Industrial Drive Extension Bossier City, LA 71112

Troop I 121 East Pont Des Mouton Lafayette, LA 70507

Troop L 2600 N. Causeway Blvd Mandeville, LA 70471

For more information on the National Take Back Initiative and for additional drop locations near you, please visit the Drug Enforcement Agency website at www.DEA.gov or call Markus Smith at 225-925-6202.