DEA established: US Drug Enforcement Administration

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was established on July 1, 1973, as a federal agency responsible for enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and combating drug trafficking both domestically and internationally.

The DEA was created by an executive order issued by President Richard Nixon, as part of his broader initiative to combat drug abuse and the illegal drug trade, which he had declared as “public enemy number one” in 1971. The agency was formed by merging several existing federal drug enforcement organizations, including the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD), the Office of Drug Abuse Law Enforcement (ODALE), and elements of the US Customs Service and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Upon its establishment, the DEA was placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and tasked with coordinating and consolidating all federal drug enforcement efforts, as well as conducting investigations, apprehending traffickers, and providing support to state and local law enforcement agencies. The agency’s mission also included international cooperation with foreign counterparts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating across borders.

Over the years, the DEA has played a significant role in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the United States and around the world. The agency has been involved in numerous high-profile operations and investigations, targeting major drug cartels, money laundering networks, and other criminal organizations involved in the illicit drug trade.

The DEA has also faced criticism and controversy throughout its history, with some questioning the effectiveness of the “war on drugs” approach and arguing for alternative strategies such as harm reduction, drug treatment, and decriminalization. Despite these debates, the DEA remains a central component of the US government’s efforts to address the challenges posed by drug trafficking and abuse.