Drug Enforcement Administration

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Justice, tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. The DEA is the lead agency for domestic enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, sharing concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

History

The Drug Enforcement Administration was established on July 1, 1973, by Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1973, signed by President Richard Nixon on July 28. It proposed the creation of a single federal agency to enforce the federal drug laws as well as consolidate and coordinate the government's drug control activities.

Role and Responsibilities

The DEA's primary responsibilities include:

• Investigation and preparation for the prosecution of major violators of controlled substance laws operating at interstate and international levels.
• Investigation and preparation for prosecution of criminals and drug gangs who perpetrate violence in our communities and terrorize citizens through fear and intimidation.
• Management of a national drug intelligence program in cooperation with federal, state, local, and foreign officials to collect, analyze, and disseminate strategic and operational drug intelligence information.
• Seizure and forfeiture of assets derived from, traceable to, or intended to be used for illicit drug trafficking.

Organization

The DEA is headed by an Administrator of Drug Enforcement appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The Administrator reports to the Attorney General through the Deputy Attorney General. The Administrator is assisted by a Deputy Administrator, the Chief of Operations, the Chief Inspector, and three Assistant Administrators.

See Also

• Controlled Substances Act
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement

References

Drug Enforcement Administration Resources
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