Located on Florida’s panhandle in the northwest section of the state, Panama City is a large city ideally located between Pensacola and Tallahassee. Although most people likely picture clear, calm waters and powder white beaches when Panama City comes to mind, for DEA professionals, this area of Florida is a hotbed for violent drug cartels. DEA careers in Panama City are spent disrupting the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs into the U.S., given its proximity to a number of waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.
Panama City DEA Careers: Illegal Drug Activities in Panama City
DEA careers in Panama City are often focused on stopping illegal distribution activities, both for prescription meds and illicit drugs.
For example, in September 2012, the DEA Miami Field Division announced the conviction of two Panama City residents who were found guilty of conspiring to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. It was suspected that the suspects in the case were involved with distributing more than 200 kilograms of cocaine in the area between January 2011 and February 2012. Both suspects face a minimum of 20 years in prison and fines that may total up to $20 million.
The results of this investigation yielded about 8 kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as a number of handguns and more than $300,000 in cash. This investigation was conducted by the DEA Panama City Resident office, the ATF, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Panama City Police Department, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
In May 2012, a major drug bust occurred in Panama City, resulting in the arrest and indictment of 12 individuals, all of whom were arrested by the DEA and the Panama City Police Department. It is reported that the bust took down some of the largest cocaine dealers in Bay County. The DEA and the Panama City Police Department seized more than 5 kilograms of cocaine in the bust, as well as $150,000 in cash and eight firearms.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Panama City by Meeting Requirements
Individuals interested in attaining DEA jobs in Panama City must meet the agency’s requirements. Most special agents for the DEA possess, at a minimum, a four-year degree. The DEA requires candidates with a bachelor’s to hold a minimum GPA of 2.95, or have a bachelor’s degree (with no minimum GPA requirement) along with special skills related to speaking a foreign language, accounting, engineering, or telecommunications, among others.
Individuals who meet the educational minimums and are interested in learning more about how to become a DEA agent in Panama City through training can contact the DEA Miami Field Division (954-660-4500) or the Panama City Resident Office (850-913-2700) for more information.