Omaha DEA disposed of 20,000 pounds of prescription drugs on Take Back Day

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Omaha Division says it collected thousands of pounds of medications on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

In a press release on Thursday, the division said 155 law enforcement agencies across its five-state region safely disposed of 20,628 pounds of unneeded and expired medications on April 26.

Nationally, more than 620,000 pounds of prescription medications were removed from communities in an effort to prevent drug misuse and abuse.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took time out of their Saturday to drop off medications for safe disposal,” Rafael Mattei, acting special agent in charge of the Omaha Division, said in a press release. “Your actions will have ripple effects as younger generations watch what you do, learn the importance of tossing out old and unused medications and follow suit in the years ahead. Thank you for helping make our communities safer and healthier.”

Since its inception 16 years ago, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans dispose of nearly 19.8 million pounds of medications.

Of that total, the Omaha Division — consisting of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota — has collected 688,426 pounds.

This event marked the Omaha Division’s highest spring collection since 2021, when 37,355 pounds of drugs were removed.

Nearly 17,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and other authorized collectors nationwide provide year-round secure medication drop boxes, and many police departments offer permanent collection locations.

To find a drop-off location, visit the DEA’s Every Day is Take Back Day page.