For centuries there has been cultivation of cannabis, coca, and the opium poppy. From the opium poppy has come morphine drips in hospitals, from the coca plant has come cocaine which is used in certain medical surgeries, and from the cannabis plant has come various hemp products. While these plants have provided useful products, they are also among nature’s most addicting and potentially deadly vegetation. This exhibit provides an overview of these “Big Three” addictive plants.

Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has spread to communities across the United States. Rallies are organized all over the country and often include guest speakers, awards, and dance or choral performances.

The tragic death of DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena inspired the creation of Red Ribbon Week. Every year millions of people across the United States pledge to live healthy, drug-free lives in his memory. 

Parents, educators, and communities reinforce drug-free messages during Red Ribbon Week. Celebrated annually October 23-31, participants learn more about the destructive effects of drug misuse. Spread the word and encourage everyone you know to live a healthy, drug-free life.

DEA has four core job functions: operations, diversion control, intelligence, and forensic sciences. There are also many other important positions at DEA, such as those in the offices of Chief Counsel, Human Resources, Congressional and Public Outreach, Information Technology, and more. Below are only a few of the exciting careers at DEA. Every employee helps DEA succeed in the air, on the land, and on the sea. 

Smuggling on the sea is one of the three main ways that criminal groups traffic drugs. It is also one of the oldest. Chinese immigrants became the first known drug smugglers when they began smuggling opium in merchant cargoes and baggage. Since then, drug smuggling by maritime routes has grown in size, scope, and sophistication. It is estimated that over nine million shipping containers arrive on large cargo ships each year and another 157,000 arrive on smaller vessels in many coastal towns across the U.S. These criminal groups smuggle cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and marijuana.

People have traded drugs across land for centuries. Since its establishment, DEA has targeted modern trafficking routes with sophisticated operations, technology, and logistical support.

The Aviation Division of DEA is a small but vital unit of the agency. It provides eyes in the sky day and night. The Aviation Division can move special agents and personnel to remote jungle areas or track drug-carrying vehicles driven on the ground. The Aviation Division is also known as the Air Wing.

For over 30 years, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been charged with enforcing America's drug laws. That enforcement knows no geographic or political borders. Just as drug trafficking organizations exist and operate in all parts of the globe, so too does DEA. Operations and investigations by DEA and partnering law enforcement groups take place on all fronts—in the air, on the land, and on the sea.

Toward the end of his career, Anslinger received several accolades and appointments. He wrote books recounting his experience in federal drug law enforcement and remained politically active even after retirement.