Drugs are regulated by state and federal laws. Although many of the drugs regulated by such laws have a useful and legitimate medical purpose and are necessary to maintain the health and general welfare of the population, the illegal importation, manufacture, distribution, and possession and improper use of controlled substances have a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of the population. The primary federal agency charged with enforcing laws against drug abuse is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The federal Food and Drug Administration is primarily responsible for the regulation of prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs as well as illegal narcotics are subject to strict enforcement of regulations, which may include mandatory sentencing and confiscation of assets used to facilitate illegal drug activity. There are also laws involving drug testing of employees, which is primarily governed by policies of employers when the person is employed in the private sector.
