What to Know for a DEA Inspection

What to Know for a DEA Inspection

What We Know

 International Vault offers DEA approved Modular Vault Solutions for Pharmaceutical, Cannabis, and other controlled substance storage. Preparing for a DEA inspection can be stressful, whether expected or not. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) performs inspections at least once every three years, a nd these inspections can be random or pre-scheduled. If you own a Pharmaceutical, Cannabis, or other controlled substance company, installing a Modular Vault system will ensure your facility is compliant and will pass the inspection with ease.  For Schedule III-V drug containment, SecurityCaging.com offers compliant wire mesh storage solutions. Contact us today to explore which option is best for your DEA compliant storage needs.

DEA History

The DEA was created years ago to help with the growing drug problem in America. Their job is to enforce regulation to prevent mishandling and misuse of drugs in our pharmaceutical industry, which are sold to consumers across the country, The DEA allows for companies to stay organized and on top of their business. Featuring strict regulations, the DEA has high expectations for how your business is managed and secured. For example, the DEA has input on how you hire, who you hire and how your company oversees your bookkeeping. Briefing your employees on DEA regulations is critical, especially during DEA inspections. Passing inspections requires attention to detail when planning, building, and operating your facility to ensure there are no protocols overlooked.

DEA Audit

A DEA Audit often occurs if their agency is tipped off that your business may be running incorrectly or violating one of their many requirements. This will lead the DEA to perform either a planned or unplanned inspection or site visit to see exactly how operations are being handled in your facility. During this inspection or site visit, it is best to allow the DEA to complete their review without confrontation or commentary potentially revealing unnecessary. This is not suggested because the task of the DEA is to find something wrong, it is suggested because the DEA may misinterpret your words and thus cause your facility to receive a lower score.

DEA Result

The result of a DEA inspection can be a positive outcome. The overall goal of these audits is to ensure you are performing best business practices, and as a result run and operate an organized and lawful organization. One of the main ways you can assist with your DEA audit is to prepare by installing the proper tools required to protect your inventory from misuse, loss, or theft. Our Modular Vaults and Wire Mesh Security Cages are beneficial for the storage of inventory and cash involved in the transactional nature of the Pharmaceutical and Cannabis industries. Wire Mesh Security caging is ideal for Schedule III-V drugs, and is beneficial for various products that may require non-restricted airflow in the storage area. Modular Vault systems are DEA approved for Schedules 1 and II controlled substances. These systems offer a higher level of security than wire mesh security cages, however still allow for air exchange by means of a port vent system to ensure the area is climate controlled, for both product and cash storage. Both Vault and Cage systems can be configured with access control to allow for electronic access integration.

Types of Vaults Often Required

International Vault has extensive experience meeting and exceeding Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) security requirements in the USA, as well as those vault specifications developed by Health Canada for Pharmaceutical and Cannabis storage.

Megacrete and Lightweight Modular Vault systems, paired with our Scimitar Vault Doors, meet the stringent DEA and Health Canada requirements. A major benefit of of incorporating a Modular Vault by International Vault, instead of an alternate cast in place option, is that Modular Vault Systems are not considered a cost of new construction. These exceptional modular systems are considered assets for your company, and can therefore be depreciated.

Contact Us

If you are opening a new business, or are looking to upgrade your company’s current secure storage protocol, our expert sales team will walk you through the process of Vault integration. From design development to installation, International Vault is the premier choice for Modular Security Vault and Wire Mesh Cages for DEA and Health Canada compliance. To learn more about our Vault systems, call today to schedule a client consultation, 833-311-3132 or visit our easy-to-use contact form.