Which agency did the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs merge into in 1973?

The correct answer is that the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs merged into the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973. This event was a significant step in the U.S. government’s efforts to control illegal drug trafficking and substance abuse. The DEA was established to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States, which encompasses a broader range of responsibilities than the Bureau had, focusing not only on enforcement but also on education, prevention, research, and treatment concerning drug abuse.

The merging of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs into the DEA enhanced the federal government's capacity to address drug-related issues comprehensively and effectively, helping to tackle problems associated with both legal and illegal substances. The creation of the DEA allowed for more streamlined operations in the enforcement of drug laws, contributing to more organized efforts in combating drug-related crime and managing public health concerns associated with drug abuse.

Other agencies like the FDA, CDC, and NIH have different primary focus areas: the FDA oversees food and drug safety, the CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, and the NIH is involved in medical research. Thus, they did not play a direct role in the law enforcement aspect concerning narcotics and drugs, which is the primary concern of the DEA.