The DEA, i.e., Drug Enforcement Administration, is a federal law enforcement agency based in the United States of America. It was established in 1973. The sole responsibility of the DEA is to coordinate and pursue investigations related to drugs not only within the United States but also in offshore countries. The organization also detects, investigates, and prevents the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and chemicals listed through legitimate sources.
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DEA Mission Statement
The Drug Enforcement Administration mission statement is “to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets.”
From the above DEA mission statement, it is clear that the agency is responsible for enforcing strict laws related to controlled substances. In tune with its mission, the Drug Enforcement Administration takes charge of the following:
Investigating and preparing the prosecution of national and international violators of laws related to controlled substances.
Prosecuting criminals who encourage acts of violence and terrorize ordinary people.
Managing national drug intelligence programs in coordination with federal, state, local, and foreign officers.
Seizing and forfeiting of assets to be used for illicit drug trafficking.
Coordinating with the governments to reduce the availability of illicit drugs through training, crop eradication, and substitution.
Enforcing the Controlled Substances Act that is about the manufacturing and distribution of legally produced controlled substances.
DEA Vision Statement
There is no DEA vision statement as such, but it is clear from the DEA mission that the DEA envisions establishing strict laws related to drugs and other such controlled substances. It wants to create a society that is free from illegal manufacturing and the use of prohibited drugs and other such substances.
DEA Core Values
Some of the DEA core values are:
Adherence to law: The agency strongly believes in maintaining the US Constitution and the Rule of Law.
Respectful: The DEA officials ensure that they always follow decorum and are respectful and empathetic with those they serve and protect.
Commitment: DEA ensures that its officials are loyal and serve their country efficiently.
Dedication: The agency is highly devoted and committed to the mission of enforcing the US drug laws and working towards improving public health, national security, and safety.
Integrity: The organization holds high standards of integrity at the personal, professional, and institutional levels.
Accountability: DEA believes in being accountable to not only the agency and people it serves but to their own selves too.
Leadership: DEA leads by example and advocates and practices leadership and courage.
Diversity: DEA focuses on maintaining a diverse workforce with a sense of inclusivity, which is exemplary.
Conclusion
Over the years, the DEA mission and vision have been to ensure strict compliance with the rules and regulations about reducing the availability and use of illicit substances. With its vast and highly committed and dedicated workforce, this important agency has been able to achieve this goal. Also, its core values of accountability, integrity, and courage keep the organization going strong and have stringent control over illicit substances.
