|
|
DEA Major Information SystemsTITLE: Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders SystemACRONYM: ARCOS-2 ORIGINATOR: Department/Agency Name: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration ABSTRACT: ARCOS is an automated, comprehensive drug reporting system which monitors the flow of DEA controlled substances (21 CFR 1308) from their points of manufacture through commercial distribution channels to points of sale or distribution at the dispensing/retail level - hospitals, retail pharmacies, practitioners, mid-level practitioners, and teaching institutions. Included in the list of controlled substance transactions tracked by ARCOS and reported by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and distributors are the following: All Schedule I and II materials (manufacturers and distributors); Schedule III narcotic and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid materials (manufacturers and distributors); and selected Schedule III and IV psychotropic materials (manufacturers only). PURPOSE: ARCOS provides pharmaceutical drug distribution information to Federal and Non-Federal investigative agencies for specific targeted businesses or individuals in the following formats: by Business Activity, Ranking order by state, Excess Purchasers (heavily used drugs), and geographically by cumulative consumption per 100,000 population. ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: Direct, on-line access is limited to ARCOS system administrators and DEA law enforcement personnel. Published quarterly consumption and Ad Hoc reports are available to other Federal and Non-Federal investigative agencies through interagency agreement upon request. USE CONSTRAINTS: Use of the system is restricted to only those authorized to perform assigned law enforcement duties. AGENCY PROGRAM: This mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and to bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations, and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support nonenforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability markets. In carrying out its mission, DEA is the lead agency responsible for the development of overall Federal drug enforcement strategy, programs, planning, and evaluation. ARCOS is a tool used for enforcement of the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act pertaining to the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances. SOURCE OF DATA: Controlled substance transaction information is collected from DEA registered Distributors and Manufacturers via magnetic tape, diskette, and manual form. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION (if different from originator): Department/Agency: U.S. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration ORDER PROCESS: A request for access to records maintained by DEA will be made in writing. The request will include the requester's full name, complete address, date of birth, place of birth, notarized signature, and other identifying data the requester wishes to furnish to assist in making a proper search of DEA's records. The requester will also provide a return address for transmitting the information. Requests for access to information will be addressed to the Chief, Freedom of Information Operations Unit, 700 Army-Navy Drive, Sixth Floor, Arlington, VA 22202. OFFICE OF CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION (if different from originator): Department/Agency Name: See above DATE OF LAST MODIFICATION: 12/98 |
