(CBS NEWS) November 13, 2017 — Lawmakers and the Drug Enforcement Administration are facing tough questions following an explosive joint investigation by “60 Minutes” and The Washington Post that says Congress helped disarm the DEA.

Drug overdose deaths in the United States have more than doubled over the past decade. The CDC says 188,000 people have died from opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2015.

Joe Rannazzisi used to run the DEA’s diversion control. He told “60 Minutes” correspondent Bill Whitaker that the opioid crisis was aided in part by Congress, lobbyists and the drug distribution industry.

The DEA says it has taken actions against far fewer opioid distributors under a new law. A Justice Department memo shows 65 doctors, pharmacies and drug companies received suspension orders in 2011. Only six of them have gotten them this year.

Source: DEA responds to explosive “60 Minutes”/Washington Post report about opioid crisis – CBS News