Drug Enforcement Agency
The drug enforcement agency is a subsidiary of the federal
government and was founded in 1973 by the Nixon administration.
Although local law enforcements agencies play a crucial role
in tracking drugs and arresting the individuals involved
on a local level; the drug enforcement agency attempts to
track and prevent large shipments, or drug “trafficking” into
the country and provides a vital barrier between drug lords
and local dealers.
The drug enforcement agency is currently facing a new wide-sweeping epidemic
of drug abuse in America, of crystal meth or “ice”. This drug is
particularly allusive due to the fact that it is manufactured and not grown.
Therefore, rather than large shipments being smuggled into the country, residents
are able to manufacture the drugs in their homes and distribute it at a local
level. This makes the drug enforcement agency’s task of stopping the distribution
of crystal meth that much more difficult. One step taken in waging a war against
this deadly drug epidemic is to put limits on the amount of over-the- counter
cold medications, a component of the finished meth, which can be purchased. Restricting
the purchase of certain active ingredients of crystal meth is a step towards
prevention.
Although a large part of the drug enforcement agency’s focus, illegal drugs
are not the only substances policed by the drug enforcement agency. For example,
certain medications are classified as “controlled substances” due
to potency, active ingredients or the propensity to be addictive. The drug enforcement
agency has enacted certain regulations and mandates with regards to dispensing
these controlled substances. Doctors, pharmacies and patients are all expected
to abide by these regulations and exercise responsibility if the use of a controlled
substance is required. The drug enforcement agency has set these rules in place
to ensure that people benefit from these helpful medications while preventing
abuse. The drug enforcement agency’s task continues to be more daunting
with the large advent of designer drugs sweeping America’s youth.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article.
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