[TheGeezer]

The existence of the DEA is implicit to FDA function. Without enforcement, regulation is irrelevant. I suppose since I mentioned regulation, I might have referred to the FDA, but since I cannot picture an FDA without a DEA, it did not occur to me to so.

I believe my point to be still valid, even without mention of the FDA, although if FDA can enforce its regulations, that may make the DEA unnecessary. Since the nature of illegal drug trade is quite violent, however, removing enforcement to a separate agency was likely deemed necessary when DEA legislation was drafted. Inspecting a research or production facility is rather different and less violent than pursuing crack distributors.

[Sir Gawain]

Too bad the DEA is unconstitutional at a federal level.