Police to Collect Unwanted Prescription Drugs

In an effort to reduce the amount of potentially dangerous medication in the community, Santa Monica police and Drug Enforcement Administration will collect unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday.

"The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked," the police department said in a news release.

To drop off expired, unused and unwanted medication, the public can stop by the police department at 333 Olympic Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An officer will be standing by at curbside to collect the prescription drugs.

Five prescription drug take-back events have been held by the DEA and its local partners since 2010. In September, law enforcement agencies nationwide collected 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites. 

Take-back events are aimed at reducing the high rates of prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses, according to police. A majority of prescription drugs that are abused come from family and friends, studies have shown.

"In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medications — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards," the release stated.