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.

Credentials issued in 1944 to Robert S. O'Brien

Bureau of Narcotics Credentials

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

Beretta 92F 9MM Parabellum Pistol

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.

A square spiked bamboo booby trap

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.

glass globe on metal base

Apothecary Show Globe

A white and black pilot helmet.

Air Wing Helmet

A helmet from DEA’s Aviation Division, or Air Wing.

A collection of stamps.

2020 Drug Free USA Stamp

A first day of issue cover for the 2020 Drug Free USA stamp.

19th Century Pill Machine