The CIA originally designed LSD with the help of a Swiss manufacturer as a "mind control drug" as part of their MK Ultra program, hoping that it would allow patients under the influence to commit unspeakable acts commanded by the government and then forget they ever happened. Of course, this plan backfired, and then the CIA introduced LSD to the American population.

The CIA has played a crucial role in producing, trafficking, and/or selling numerous drugs both in the U.S. and all over the world. The CIA is no stranger to money laundering, performing dangerous tests on unwilling patients, and even committing murder over drugs. One of the drugs the CIA has focused on for decades is heroin, which is created using opium. The CIA actually owned and operated a covert drug smuggling airline, referred to as Air America, which was used to transport numerous goods, including heroin.