The DEA is a federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for investigating drug crimes. The DEA has the authority to investigate pharmacies and pharmacists who are suspected of violating the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The CSA establishes the rules and regulations for handling controlled substances, including prescription drugs. Pharmacies and pharmacists who violate the CSA can face civil or criminal penalties.

If you are facing a DEA investigation, it is important to understand your rights and what you should do to protect yourself. Here are some things you should know about DEA investigations:

1. The Investigation May Be Criminal or Civil in Nature

A DEA investigation can be either criminal or civil in nature. A criminal investigation may result in charges being filed against you, while a civil investigation may result in administrative sanctions being imposed on your pharmacy or your license to practice pharmacy being suspended or revoked. It is important to understand the difference between these two types of investigations so that you can take the appropriate steps to protect yourself.

2. You Have Rights During an Investigation

You have certain rights during a DEA investigation, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is important that you exercise these rights if you are contacted by a DEA agent about an investigation into your pharmacy or your professional conduct as a pharmacist. Anything you say during an investigation can be used against you, so it is important that you consult with an attorney before speaking with investigators.

3. The Investigation May Be Related to Your Pharmacy’s Compliance With the CSA

The DEA may be investigating your pharmacy because it believes that your pharmacy is not in compliance with the CSA. The DEA has the authority to inspect pharmacies and to review records to ensure compliance with the CSA. If the DEA finds that your pharmacy is not in compliance with the CSA, it may take action against your pharmacy, including imposing civil or criminal penalties.

4. The Investigation May Be Related to Your Personal Conduct as a Pharmacist

The DEA may also be investigating you personally because it believes that you have violated the CSA. The DEA has the authority to investigate pharmacists who are suspected of violating the CSA. If the DEA finds that you have violated the CSA, it may take action against you, including suspending or revoking your license to practice pharmacy.

5. You Should Consult With an Attorney if You Are Facing a DEA Investigation

If you are facing a DEA investigation, it is important that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and can protect your interests during an investigation.

Registering with the DEA isn’t simple, or easy

To register with the DEA, practitioners must complete an application and submit it to the DEA. The application requires information about the practitioner’s name, address, medical license number, etc.

The DEA will then issue a registration number to the practitioner. This registration number is used on all prescriptions for controlled substances.

The DEA also regulates controlled substances by inspecting pharmacies and practitioners who dispense them. Inspections are conducted to ensure that these entities are storing and dispensing controlled substances according to federal law.

The DEA also investigates illegal activity involving controlled substances. This includes prescribing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and “doctor shopping” (going to multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for controlled substances).

The DEA enforces the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) through investigations, inspections, and administrative actions. The CSA is the federal law that regulates controlled substances.

The CSA classifies controlled substances into five “schedules.”

• Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and marijuana.
• Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but also have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Examples of Schedule II drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
• Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II drugs, but still have a potential for abuse. They also have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Examples of Schedule III drugs include codeine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs, but still have a potential for abuse. They also have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include diazepam and alprazolam.
• Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs, but still have a potential for abuse. They also have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Examples of Schedule V drugs include cough medicines with small amounts of codeine.