Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms, and Lasers

The Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers (BADTFL) was a specialized federal law enforcement and regulatory organization of the United States of America.

Background
Among other things, BADTFL offices were responsible for issuing special permits for the civilian use of combat armor, because this kind of equipment was designated for military and police use. It also issued firearms licenses and conducted firearms license qualification and compliance inspections, such as for laser weaponry.

In the 21st century, 10mm was the standard ammunition caliber of the BADTFL, used in 10mm pistols and 10mm submachine guns, whereas the military was primarily concerned with energy weapons. The agency also involved itself in preventing and apprehending gun runners and rings throughout the nation, with a notable bust occurring in 2075. However, the agency was not without corruption, as an Appalachian drug kingpin was able to utilize their contacts within the agency to deal with a corrupt police officer attempting to get them forced out of the region.

Operation Winter's End
The BADTFL was actively involved in the investigation of Eddie Winter. Unknown to other agencies such as the Boston Police Department, Winter was working with the bureau to incriminate his associates, in exchange for immunity. Operation Winter's End was solely a distraction to make it seem that Winter was the only one under investigation.

However, the investigation had not been without losses. Jennifer Lands, the fiancé of lead detective Nick Valentine, was killed. The bureau picked up intelligence of increased chatter from Winter's associates regarding the whereabouts of Lands. Seniors in the bureau decided against putting the couple in witness protection in order not to compromise the investigation.

Appearances
BADTFL is mentioned in Fallout, Fallout 4, Fallout 76 and its update Wastelanders.

Behind the scenes
The Bureau of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms and Lasers, aka BADTFL, is the Fallout universe version of the real world Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, aka ATF, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration.