DEA in Action

A special agent is the nucleus of DEA. This is a highly skilled, intuitive person with energy and motivation who wants to actively make a difference. The intense career of a special agent can lead to working all over the world and requires a deep commitment. Investigating drug organizations involves human and technical intelligence, coordination with the criminal justice system, and a close partnership with domestic and foreign law enforcement. The successful criminal conviction of groups who traffic and launder drugs is the primary focus of special agents who want to make a positive impact.

Agents continuously exchange information on a variety of topics. Because the drug problem has become a global concern, law enforcement agencies from around the world gather to discuss, help, and resolve many issues.

Operations are formulated after many hours of investigation. When substantial evidence indicates criminal activity, special agents execute an arrest.

Worldwide availability of pharmaceuticals has improved the quality and longevity of life. Along with this progress has come the challenging task for the Drug Enforcement Administration to assure these drugs are not diverted into illegal markets. Diversion investigators are a special group of people who must explore the complexities of corporate accountability systems to verify their effectiveness and be vigilant in shipments of chemicals coming into and leaving this country. It is a daunting task that requires an analytical mind, tenacity, and the ability to see through the obvious.

Diversion investigators sift through pharmaceutical records and supplies to determine their authenticity. Pharmacists are often required to demonstrate their methods of dispensing and controlling drugs to investigators.

Legal drugs can be used to create illegal substances. Diversion investigators are called on to inspect crime scenes when there are large quantities of chemicals found at the site.

One of the most integral components of DEA is the gathering of intelligence. This is a career that requires a special person with an analytical mind who can methodically put puzzle pieces together and find the right sequence of events to make a clear picture. An analyst often has the opportunity to travel to foreign countries to assist special agents in debriefing someone with information that might enhance an investigation. The information compiled by intelligence analysts is critical and is accessed and used by federal, state, and local law enforcement, the White House, Congress, and the media. Without intelligence there is no fight against illegal drugs.

Analysts often work together in teams to decipher information received from various sources. They collaborate with investigators to manage complex research projects in such areas as drug cultivations, production, trafficking, and movements.

Expert laboratory analysis, court testimony, and evidence gathered from crime scenes are key components in successful criminal investigations and trials. Forensic chemists operate in state-of-the-art laboratories as well as in the field. They provide support to the law enforcement community and scientific documentation about health risks as a result of substance misuse.

Forensic drug chemistry is the primary discipline in the DEA laboratory. Each chemist is surrounded with the latest technological advancements. Evidence received from domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies is analyzed and used as critical support during a trial. Expert testimony from a forensic chemist is essential to a conviction.

Chemists also receive specialized training to clean up seized clandestine drug labs. These environments are dangerous and complex. Chemists learn important enforcement, personal, and public safety skills.