With a population of slightly more than 1.5 million, the state of Idaho is only the 39th largest in the country. Yet, Idaho experiences plenty of drug activity that keeps the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) busy in the region. The largest drug problems in the state are marijuana growing operations and methamphetamine labs. Both of the drug problems can be attributed to the fact that Idaho is sparsely populated, but is also a large state in terms of actual area, which means there are plenty of places for drug distributors to set-up shop without fear of being caught easily by the authorities. The proximity of the state to the Canadian border also adds to its allure as a place to produce and distribute drugs. The Canadian border also serves as an attractive way for Canadian drug traffickers to bring drugs into the country.
High Profile DEA Operations in Idaho
The following is a list of some major drug busts performed by the DEA in Idaho:
- August 2012: The DEA busted marijuana grow operation in the city of Grace, which has a population of about 1,000 residents. At the time of the bust, the DEA reported that there were well over 10,000 marijuana plants that are worth an estimated $80.5 million. Reports suggest that it is perhaps the largest marijuana grow operation ever discovered by the DEA and had probably been operating for more than 5 years prior to the bust.
- February 2011: A 14-month investigation by the DEA is southwestern Idaho turned up four separate indictments, which brought down a drug trafficking ring in the state. The ring included the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and firearms.
- February 2013: A routine traffic stop in Soda Springs quickly turned into something out of the ordinary when a police officer found more than $100,000 worth of marijuana in a car from Washington State. The arrest led to tips that helped the DEA uncover a drug trafficking ring that was traced back to the suburbs of Seattle.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Idaho
The only DEA district office is located in Boise and is under the jurisdiction of the regional office located in Seattle, Washington. The typical careers in this region include the following:
- Special Agent
- Diversion Investigator
- Forensic Scientist
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Administration
When considering how to become a DEA agent in Idaho there are a series of steps an applicant must complete in order to be considered. First, the applicant must meet these basic requirements:
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must pass drug tests, background checks, physical and psychological exams
- Must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must complete all DEA basic training programs