What agency is responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substance Act?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the agency responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, and distribution of certain substances. This Act categorizes drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety or dependency risk. The DEA's enforcement role includes monitoring compliance with these regulations, investigating drug trafficking, overseeing prescription practices, and ensuring that healthcare providers are following laws concerning controlled substances.

While the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is involved in the approval and regulation of pharmaceutical drugs, including their safety and efficacy, it does not have enforcement authority under the Controlled Substances Act. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) primarily focuses on public health and safety but does not enforce drug laws. The NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) is involved in research on drug abuse and addiction but does not enforce the CSA either. Therefore, the DEA is distinctly positioned as the enforcement authority for controlled substances.