Collection Spotlight

No matter how big or small, every artifact tells a story. While only a fraction of the objects and images in the Museum's collection, these eye-catching artifacts capture significant moments in the history of drugs and drug law enforcement.

DEA publications

DEA publications that informed the American public and professionals around the world in the 1970s.

Cross-Border Smuggling Tunnels

Cocaine Mold

A wooden mold used to press cocaine syrup or powder into solid bricks.

Ceramic Elephant

A ceramic elephant gifted to DEA by Thai royalty.

Bureau of Narcotics Credentials

Credentials issued in 1944 to Robert S. O'Brien, Agent, Federal Bureau of Narcotics.

Beretta 92F 9MM Parabellum Pistol

A diamond-encrusted pistol discovered in one of Joaquín “El Chapo” Archivaldo Guzmán Loera’s safe houses.

A black swallow-tailed flag with white lettering.

Basic Agent Training Guidon

A forked, or swallow-tailed, flag assigned to classes of new recruits that complete training to become DEA special agents.

Bamboo Booby Trap

A spiked bamboo trap that protected drug traffickers' illicit crops in Thailand.

A gold-and-blue badge next to both halves of a steel mold.

Badge Molds

A set of molds used to make early narcotic agents’ badges.