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. 

Cold War politics changed Anslinger's job in several ways. He attended more congressional hearings, enforced the new Narcotics Control Act, appeared on television, and contemplated a vice presidential run. 

Drugs appeared on and off the big screen in the 1940s. Anslinger met with Hollywood executives to discuss movie stars' drug misuse and how drugs were portrayed in films. He even starred in a motion picture while running the FBN as a fiscally responsible, no-nonsense boss. 

The 1930s was a dynamic decade for federal drug law enforcement. As head of the FBN, Anslinger petitioned states to adopt more uniform narcotics enforcement laws, targeted mafia bosses for the first time, and tackled doping in horse racing.