Legal Definitions - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) is a federal law enforcement agency that investigates federal drug trafficking laws. The DEA is led by an Administrator of Drug Enforcement, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who is directed by the U.S. Attorney General. The DEA's mission is to enforce controlled substances laws and regulations, investigatedrug trafficking, and prevent drug trafficking before it occurs.

For example, the DEA investigates individuals and organizations involved in manufacturing, growing, and dealing drugs. They also work to reduce the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets. The DEA was created in 1973 by President Nixon to consolidate federal drug enforcement activities into one agency.

The DEA's responsibilities include developing federal drug law enforcement strategy, investigating and preparing for prosecution of suspects for violations under all federal drug trafficking laws, coordinating with foreign governments on drug law enforcement, and regulating the legal manufacture of drugs and other controlled substances under federal regulations.