The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a program of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The program currently consists of one active database (NFLIS-Drug) and two inactive databases (NFLIS-Tox [data from toxicology laboratories] and NFLIS-MEC [data from medical examiner and coroner’s offices]), which are intended to complement each other to provide a holistic picture of the drugs analyzed by the U.S. forensic community. The collection of NFLIS-Tox and NFLIS-MEC data has been temporarily suspended due to shifts in programmatic priorities and upgrades needed to the system’s technology infrastructure.

NFLIS-Drug systematically collects confirmed drug identification results and associated information from drug cases submitted to and analyzed by federal, state, and local forensic laboratories. These laboratories analyze controlled and non-controlled substances secured in law enforcement operations across the country. NFLIS data helps provide a comprehensive picture of our Nation's drug problem and is used in strategic and tactical drug control plans, policies, and operations, and may be used in aggregate for scheduling actions, intelligence, and research.

NFLIS-Drug includes information on the specific substances identified in items of evidence and the characteristics of those items, such as the dates they were submitted to the laboratory, the dates analyzed, and descriptive metadata. The data serve several critical functions:

• They support drug scheduling decisions, which determine the legal status and regulatory controls for various substances. This is crucial for ensuring that substances with high potential for abuse are appropriately regulated.
• The data inform drug policy and enforcement initiatives at both the national and local levels. By understanding trends in drug use and trafficking, policymakers can develop targeted strategies to address these issues.
• Law enforcement agencies use the data to identify and respond to emerging drug threats. For example, if a new synthetic drug appears, the data can help track its spread and inform responses to contain it.
• The collected information aids in the allocation of resources for drug enforcement and public health interventions. Understanding which drugs are most prevalent and where they are being used helps in directing efforts where they are needed most.
• Researchers and public health officials utilize the data to conduct studies and develop prevention and treatment programs. Insights gained from the data can lead to better understanding of drug abuse patterns and the development of effective interventions.

Overall, the comprehensive data collected by NFLIS-Drug play a vital role in combating drug abuse and ensuring public safety by providing a detailed picture of the drug landscape in the United States. To view NFLIS-Drug metrics, please click here: NFLIS-Drug.

If your laboratory is considering participating in NFLIS, review the DEA's FAQs document to determine eligibility and learn more about NFLIS and the next steps for participation. The value of NFLIS depends on data from participating agencies. The DEA seeks universal participation from seized drug laboratories in the United States. For further information, contact us at NFLIS@dea.gov.