Office of National Drug Control Policy

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is a component of the Executive Office of the President of the United States that was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The ONDCP's primary goal is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives to eradicate illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences in the U.S.

History

The Office of National Drug Control Policy was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. The act also instituted the National Drug Control Strategy, which directs the nation's anti-drug efforts and establishes a program, budget, and guidelines for cooperation among Federal, State, and local entities.

Function

The ONDCP advises the President on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.

Structure

The ONDCP is overseen by the Director of National Drug Control Policy, also known as the Drug Czar, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Director is responsible for the creation of the National Drug Control Strategy. The Strategy guides the nation's anti-drug efforts and establishes a program, budget, and guidelines for cooperation among Federal, State, and local entities.

Criticism and Controversy

The ONDCP has been criticized for its role in perpetuating the War on Drugs, a campaign of prohibition and foreign military aid and military intervention undertaken by the U.S. government with the assistance of participating countries, with the stated aim being to reduce the illegal drug trade.

See also

• Drug policy of the United States
• War on Drugs
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration