Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

Which federal agency oversees the control of narcotics?

1. FDA

2. DEA

3. CDC

4. NIH

The correct answer is: DEA

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the control of narcotics in the United States. Established in 1973, the DEA's primary mission is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States, which includes managing the scheduling of drugs and combating drug trafficking and abuse. The agency works to prevent the illegal distribution and use of narcotics and ensures that legitimate manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances comply with the law. The other agencies mentioned have different primary responsibilities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focuses on regulating food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices to ensure their safety and efficacy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is primarily dedicated to public health and disease control, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducts medical research to improve healthcare. Each of these agencies plays a crucial role in public health and safety, but the DEA specifically manages narcotics and controlled substances directly, making it the correct answer to this question.