What agency is tasked with combating drug smuggling within the U.S.?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is specifically tasked with combating drug smuggling and enforcing the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. This agency focuses on investigating and taking action against drug trafficking organizations and managing the regulation of legal pharmaceutical drugs. Their role is essential in the fight against illegal drugs, coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to reduce drug smuggling and trafficking across borders, as well as domestically.

While Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also plays a significant role in stopping illegal drugs from entering the U.S., its primary focus includes overall border security, customs enforcement, and immigration control. The Department of Transportation primarily deals with policies and regulations concerning transportation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a broader mandate related to federal criminal offenses, including terrorism and espionage, but not specifically drug control in the same focused manner as the DEA. This distinction helps clarify the unique responsibilities of the DEA in the context of combating drug smuggling.