Drug Enforcement Administration

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. government agency that enforces federal laws against narcotics. Through 19 divisional offices in the U.S., the DEA also governs the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. Established in 1973 as part of the U.S. Department of Justice, the DEA cooperates with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to prevent drug trafficking, and with state and local law enforcers and the agencies of other nations to combat illegal drug abuse and trade.

See also: Drug; Narcotic.