DEA S&L Task Force Overview

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) leads the battle against the use of illegal drugs in the United States. Established in 1973, this anti-drug agency combined the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD) and U.S. Customs Service drug agents to provide exclusive enforcement of federal drug laws. The creation of State and Local (S&L) Task Forces is one way DEA force-multiplies investigative personnel to effectively enforce these laws. 

As drug trafficking increased nationwide, DEA recognized the need for a cooperative and coordinated drug enforcement effort with S&L counterparts. This cooperation provides several advantages to all participating agencies: DEA is able to draw on the expertise of S&L law enforcement while sharing available resources, thereby increasing the investigative possibilities available to all. S&L officers can be deputized as federal drug agents, thus extending their jurisdiction; S&L participating agencies can receive an equitable share of forfeited drug proceeds derived from criminal investigations; and with the appropriate approval, DEA could pay overtime and investigative expenses for S&L agencies. 

Click here to learn more