D.E.A. investigators approach their duties with utmost seriousness. Having been part of their ranks, we understand their unwavering commitment. When it comes to controlled substance laws and regulations, they interpret them literally and expect strict compliance. Any deviation can have significant repercussions, such as:

• Civil and Criminal Consequences:
  
  The stakes are high. Federal criminal law explicitly states that a “knowing failure” to maintain required records can lead to:
  Incarceration in prison.
  Even a “negligent failure”—a less intentional violation—constitutes a civil offense.
  Practitioners may face fines ranging from $15,876.00 to $68,4226.00 per occurrence.
  If multiple violations occur, these fines can accumulate rapidly, resulting in millions of dollars in penalties and legal fees.
  
  Administrative Consequences:
• DEA’s Authority and “Order to Show Cause”:
  The Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) wields significant authority in enforcing controlled substance regulations. Their power extends to initiating an “order to show cause” process.
  This legal procedure is a formal notice to a registrant (such as a healthcare practitioner or pharmacy) that their controlled substance registration is under scrutiny. If the D.E.A. identifies serious violations or patterns of non-compliance, they can move to revoke the registration altogether. The revocation of a controlled substance registration has severe implications, affecting a practitioner’s ability to prescribe, dispense, or handle controlled substances.