LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The event will be held as a drive-thru drop off on the west side of the police station at 2025 South Main St.

Physical distancing and face masks will be required. Persons arriving at the event are to stay in their vehicles and will be directed by police staff to the drop-off location.

Accepted: All over-the-counter or prescription medication in pill, tablet or capsule form including schedule II-V controlled and non-controlled substances. Pills need to be emptied out of their containers and placed in a plastic bag, not paper, so they can easily identify the contents.

The department will collect vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers only after the batteries are removed from the devices. They stressed they will not be responsible for removing the batteries from the devices.

Not Accepted: Illegal drugs, needles, inhalers or aerosol cans.

Since the Lakeport Police Department started participating with the Prescription Take Back program in January of 2019, they have collected 634 pounds of prescription drugs, many of which were dangerous narcotics including opioids.

“This activity protects our community and keeps these drugs from being diverted to illegal use and out of our environment and water,” said Police Chief Brad Rasmussen.