Federal Bureau of Narcotics Badge

Law enforcement officials have identified themselves with badges for centuries. Their designs vary widely and often change as departments grow, shrink, or are replaced. Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) agents wore badges like this one in the mid-20th century. Before DEA, the FBN was one agency that enforced federal drug laws. It operated under the U.S. Department of the Treasury because congressional legislation used commercial regulations and taxation to target drug trafficking and misuse. The golden badge features embossed stars and an impressive American bald eagle. The district supervisor who carried it protected his credentials in a brown, custom leather case.