Which agency enforces the U.S. Controlled Substances Act?

• A. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• B. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
• C. National Institute on Drug Abuse
• D. Department of Health and Human Services

Answer: (B)

Enforcement of the U.S. Controlled Substances Act is handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The CSA creates strict controls over how controlled substances are manufactured, distributed, and dispensed, and the DEA is the federal agency charged with investigating violations, regulating manufacturers and distributors, issuing registrations, and coordinating with state and local authorities to curb illegal trafficking. The FDA does regulate the safety, efficacy, and labeling of drugs and can provide input on scheduling decisions, but the actual enforcement and law‑enforcement actions under the CSA are carried out by the DEA. The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducts research, not enforcement, and the Department of Health and Human Services oversees health-related agencies rather than enforcing the CSA itself.