Jacksonville, like so many other cities in Florida, is fighting a war on drugs; particularly the illegal trafficking and distribution of prescription drugs. Even with its northern location in the state, Jacksonville in nevertheless fighting drug crimes on a number of levels.
The headlines out of Jacksonville related to DEA operations speak to the drug problem – both for prescription meds and for illegal drugs:
- In August 2010 the FBI and DEA worked together to shut down a massive pill mill in Jacksonville. The raid, which also involved the Florida Department of Health Investigative Services Unit (ISU) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, uncovered that approximately 7,900 prescriptions for Alprazolam, Carisprodol, and Oxycodone were written by just four physicians through at Duval Wellness during a two-month period. Total pills distributed during this time totaled more than 611,000.
- In June 2010, the DEA busted a drug ring that involved six Jacksonville individuals. All suspects were charged with storing and processing cocaine and other illegal drugs. The DEA Drug Task Force uncovered cocaine, marijuana, pills, and other drug paraphernalia during the raid.
- A DEA raid uncovered reported that two Jacksonville pharmacies ordered more than 3 million oxycodone pills in 2011, more than 20 times the national average, according to DEA agents (The average pharmacy orders about 69,000 oxycodone pills in one year.).
How to Become a DEA Agent in Jacksonville by Meeting Requirements: Education Requirements in Jacksonville
There are about 24 colleges and universities in Jacksonville, which provide plenty of opportunities for individuals seeking the education necessary to be eligible for DEA training, and eventually, a career with the DEA.
In particular, individuals interested in learning how to become a DEA Agent in Jacksonville through training should know that most DEA special agents hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees, have previous law enforcement experience, or have a bachelor’s degree combined with experience in one of a number of disciplines, including engineering, political science, criminal justice, and foreign language.
Just a few of the institutions in Jacksonville that offer a wide range of programs for those seeking to attain Jacksonville DEA jobs and careers include the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University.
The DEA In Jacksonville
The DEA in Jacksonville operates out of a Jacksonville Field Office (904-348-5225), which is overseen by the Miami Field Division. You can obtain more information on the process of attaining Jacksonville DEA jobs and careers by contacting the regional recruiter at 954-660-4595.