How to Become a DEA Agent in Honolulu, Hawaii by Meeting Requirements

The city of Honolulu, Hawaii is in an interesting position as far as the Drug Enforcement Administration  (DEA) is concerned. Because Honolulu is the largest city in the state (with a metropolitan population of 390,738 as of 2010,) a tourist destination, and an island located far from the continental United States, it is a difficult place to investigate drug distribution for the DEA, and a difficult location for smugglers to get drugs to. But, never the less, there is a demand for drugs in Honolulu, and therefore Mexican drug cartels, local gangs and other drug smugglers and distributors have found ways in which to get drugs into the city.

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

The largest drug epidemic in the city of Honolulu is crystal meth, which has become increasingly popular with the native community. Tourists prefer to abuse drugs like cocaine and marijuana. Since drugs are becoming more difficult to smuggle into the state, many crystal meth labs have set-up shop in the more rural areas outside of Honolulu and are under the supervision of Mexican drug cartels that have relocated to the city. Crack cocaine has also become increasingly popular with the residents of Honolulu and in other urban areas throughout the state.

DEA Operations in Honolulu, Hawaii

After the closure of the Hilo resident office, the DEA has consolidated their efforts to focus on the increasing abuse of crack cocaine and heroin in urban center of Honolulu. The following is a list of some of the most recent and largest drug busts conducted by the Honolulu DEA:

  • February 2012: Four people were arrested in connection with the seizure of more than 7 pounds of crystal meth. The bust was the result of a coordinated investigation between Honolulu police, the FBI and the Honolulu DEA. The suspects said that they received the drugs from members of a Mexican drug cartel. The meth tested at 99% purity, which means it had not been through many people’s hands from the manufacturing process to the transportation to Honolulu. The drugs were believed to be smuggled in by boat.
  • 2013: The DEA uncovered a large drug ring which is believed to stretch from Hawaii to Las Vegas, Nevada. The ring is connected to a drug cartel in Mexico and is suspected of being in operation since the late 1990’s. Over a year-long investigation, Honolulu DEA agents bought more than 79 pounds of crystal meth as part of the investigation into the drug ring and how far it went.

Honolulu DEA Jobs and Careers

When considering how to become a DEA agent in Honolulu, applicants must meet requirements, complete various interviews, exams and screening procedures and complete comprehensive training with the administration. Some of the requirements include the following:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must meet educational/ experiential requirements
  • Must be willing to relocate to any office across the country
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Back to Top