NCJ Number
163346
Date Published
1995
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This is a descriptive report of the programs and activities of the Office of Diversion Control of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Abstract
Laws and treaties to restrict access to legitimate drugs and impose criminal penalties on illegal manufacture and distribution have been extended to the chemicals required to refine or synthesize clandestinely manufactured drugs of abuse. These most recent laws are designed to prevent the diversion of controlled drugs and chemicals into the illicit drug traffic by restricting access through legal requirements; to detect such diversion through examination of required records and accountability systems; and to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice persons responsible for diversion, whether through negligent or criminal acts. Within DEA, the office responsible for the application of these laws is the Office of Diversion Control. The Office deals with diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals, of controlled chemicals and of steroids, using civil, regulatory and criminal law enforcement measures. Foreign and domestic aspects of the operations are addressed through both field and headquarters activities. This paper describes the nature of problems encountered and the programs designed to deal with them, and provides representative case examples.