DEA Cage Resources

A DEA cage is a secure, fully enclosed wire mesh or expanded-metal enclosure built to DEA physical-security standards (21 CFR 1301.72) for storing controlled substances. It is enclosed on all sides including the top, anchored to the structure, and fitted with a secure, controlled-access door.

DEA registrants that store controlled substances in quantity, including pharmacies, drug distributors, manufacturers, hospitals, clinics, and research labs. The exact security required depends on registrant type and the drug schedules handled.

Typically heavy-gauge steel mesh (commonly cited as no lighter than 10-gauge) with small openings, full enclosure including the top, secure anchoring to the structure, a self-closing self-locking door, and an alarm system. Confirm exact specs with current DEA regulation and your local field office.

No. A safe suits smaller quantities, while a DEA cage encloses a larger storage area for higher-volume controlled-substance inventory. Very large operations may require a vault. The DEA recognizes all three depending on volume and registrant type.