The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a law enforcement agency that is responsible for enforcing the federal drug laws of the United States. The DEA was established in 1973 as part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases related to the illegal production, distribution, and possession of controlled substances.
The DEA is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and has a number of field offices located throughout the United States. The agency works closely with a number of other law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), among others.
The DEA is responsible for a number of different activities, including the investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking organizations, the seizure and forfeiture of drug-related assets, and the provision of intelligence and technical assistance to other law enforcement agencies. The agency also works to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and to promote drug prevention and treatment programs.