The Police Department will hold a Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Police Station, 625 S Del Mar Ave.

The event aims to prevent pill abuse and theft by giving residents and opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. This is a vital public health issue, as rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, along with rates of accidental poisonings and overdoses from these drugs.

This event is in partnership wit the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is the 12th time the SGPD has partnered with the DEA in the last six years. Last April, the DEA collected more than 447 tons of prescription drugs at 5,400 sites across the U.S.

The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Do not bring liquids, needles or sharps. Only pills and patches will be accepted.

For questions call 626.308.2835 or email bk076@sgpd.com.