State Representative Angel Cruz and Philadelphia’s Sheriff Jewell Williams will partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for National Drug Take Back. The program is a national effort by the DEA to collect unused, over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs to lessen the chances of the drugs being used for reasons other than their prescribed purpose.

The program will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Rep. Cruz’s office at 3503 North B Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Too often these leftover prescription drugs wind up in the hands of those either looking to get high, or make money from selling it on the street,”Williams said.

A collection box will be placed in Cruz’s office to be picked up by the DEA after 2 p.m., to then properly dispose of the drugs. There will also be a deputy sheriff in place beside the box during the period of collection to insure the drugs are passed along to the DEA intact.

“The community can only benefit from a program like this,” Cruz said, “because stopping any drugs from reentering the neighborhood to be sold or used illegally is always a good thing.”

Any over-the-counter controlled substance, or prescription-required drugs can be submitted.  Tablets, capsules, ointments, creams and liquids will be accepted in their packaging, there is no need to take medicines out of the original package or container.

Items such as sharps and syringes will not be accepted because of safety concerns.

The collection is anonymous, and no questions or information will be collected from anyone dropping off unused drugs.

For more information contact Cruz’s office at (215) 291-5643.