In 2009, the governor of Missouri awarded more than $7.3 million in grants to state law and drug enforcement agencies. These grants, which were part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, were designed to combat the narcotics trade in Missouri. Recipients of these funds included the Jackson County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force in Kansas City, the Greene County Combined Ozarks Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team in Springfield, as well as 28 more drug task forces in Missouri. This money was intended to help the state fight the problems that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Missouri encounters on a daily basis.
In Missouri, DEA jobs involve establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies that collaborate with the DEA to combat drug abuse and crimes stemming from the drug trade. They include (but are not limited to):
- Clay County Drug Task Force
- Jasper County Drug Task Force
- NITRO Drug Task Force
- South Central Drug Task Force
- Forsyth Emergency Communications Project
- Clark County Sheriff’s Department
- Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group
- Operation Computerize in Caldwell County
- Buchanan County Drug Strike Force
- North County M.E.G. Drug Task Force
- Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force
- Perry County Sheriff’s Department
- University of Central Missouri Law Enforcement
How to Become a DEA Agent in Missouri
Becoming a DEA agent in Missouri by meeting requirements involves holding a college degree. Usually, the DEA looks for individuals who have a J.D. or L.L.B. degree. However, they may accept an applicant with a bachelor’s degree and specialized experience. In addition, one needs to have experience in drug investigations of some sort prior to applying to become a DEA agent in Missouri. Even with this experience, much training is necessary before a person can qualify for DEA agent jobs in Missouri.
Missouri falls under the jurisdiction of the DEA’s St. Louis Division. The state is home to four DEA offices: the Division Headquarters in St. Louis, two Resident Offices in Springfield and Cape Girardeau, and a Post of Duty in Jefferson City. The recruiter for the St. Louis Division is Special Agent Tiras Cunningham, who may be reached by calling (314) 538-4792 or emailing StLouisSpecialAgentRecruiter@usdoj.gov.
DEA Fugitives in Missouri
Currently, the St. Louis Division of the DEA is on the lookout for many fugitives. Those who are from the Missouri area, and their alleged crimes, include:
- Carlos Caballero, wanted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana
- Christina Baker, wanted for cocaine distribution/possession
- Malinda Sue Willis, wanted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
- Jose Tellez, wanted for cocaine and crack cocaine distribution/possession
- Ruben Munoz, wanted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana
- Gregory Holcomb, wanted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and firearms offenses
These individuals should all be considered armed and dangerous and should not be apprehended by citizens. The DEA recommends calling the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 if one encounters one of the above-listed individuals.