DRCNet Response to the
Drug Enforcement Administration

Registration

Any person who handles or intends to handle controlled substances must obtain a registration issued by the DEA. A unique number is assigned to each legitimate handler of controlled drugs: importer, exporter, manufacturer, distributor, hospital, pharmacy, practitioner, and researcher. This number must be made available to the supplier by the customer prior to the purchase of a controlled substance. Thus, the opportunity for unauthorized transaction is greatly diminished.