What is the primary purpose of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?

The primary purpose of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce controlled substances laws and regulations. The DEA's main objective is to prevent illegal drug trafficking and distribution, as well as to regulate the legal production and prescribing of controlled substances. This enforcement is critical to ensuring that drugs are used safely and effectively while minimizing the potential for abuse and illegal distribution.

The DEA oversees the registration of entities involved with controlled substances, including pharmacies, hospitals, practitioners, and manufacturers. It also conducts investigations and enforces penalties related to violations of drug laws, thereby safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with both federal and state drug regulations.

The other options, while related to aspects of pharmacy and drug management, do not encapsulate the DEA's primary focus. For instance, regulating pharmacy practices involves a broader scope that includes various operational elements within pharmacies, which is not solely the responsibility of the DEA. Similarly, overseeing pharmacy education is related to professional accreditation and training standards, which falls under different organizations rather than the DEA's mission. Lastly, managing drug pricing involves economic and market factors, which are outside the DEA's purview and focus on law enforcement.