Crime & Safety

Second Drug Take-Back Event Saturday, April 30, in Loudoun, Leesburg

Residents may drop off outdated, unused and unwanted drugs to keep them off the streets and out of the trash.

CORRECTED DATE: APRIL 30

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments in Leesburg and Purcellville have again partnered with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a “Take-Back” initiative to reduce pill abuse and theft.

Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents may safely rid themselves of potentially dangerous prescription drugs, whether expired, unused or unwanted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last year, law enforcement agencies collected and destroyed more than 180 pounds of prescription drugs in the first initiative, which was created to address a vital public safety and public health issue.

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Many people do not realize the susceptibility of medicines languishing in home cabinets to diversion, misuse and abuse. Prescription drug abuse in the United States continues to rise and so do the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, sometimes right from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused prescription medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

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Loudoun residents may drop items off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at four locations:

  • Eastern Loudoun Sheriff’s Station, 46620 East Frederick Drive, in Sterling
  • Dulles South Public Safety Center, 25216 Loudoun County Parkway, in South Riding
  • Leesburg Police Department, 65 Plaza Street
  • Purcellville Town Hall, 130 E. Main Street

Collection sites in other local communities can be found by going to www.dea.gov.

Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.


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