How to Become a DEA Agent in Nevada by Meeting Requirements

A White House report notes that the percentage of Nevada residents who die from drug overdoses is higher than the national average. In Nevada, 20.1 persons per 100,000 died of drug overdoses in 2007, compared to the national rate of 12.7 per 100,000. These statistics indicate that there is a major drug problem in Nevada, and one that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is working to combat. In Nevada, DEA jobs are vital to this effort.

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How to Become a DEA Agent in Nevada

In order to become a DEA agent in Nevada by meeting  the agency’s requirements, one must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have a valid driver’s license. One’s physical condition will be thoroughly checked to assess medical readiness to perform the duties of the position. The educational and experiential qualifications necessary to possess in order to become a DEA agent are:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.95; a master’s degree, a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree; OR
  • Have experience in narcotics/drug-related investigations; OR
  • Have three years of experience and special skills such as piloting, maritime, accounting, foreign language fluency AND have a bachelor’s degree in related coursework

Experience must demonstrate that an applicant possesses the basic competencies to become a DEA agent in Nevada, including (but not limited to) integrity, flexibility, teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Nevada falls within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Division of the DEA. Two DEA offices are housed in Nevada – a District Office in Reno and a Resident Office in Las Vegas. Adriana Guzman is the recruiter for the Los Angeles Division of the DEA. Contact her at (213) 621-7056 or LosAngelesSpecialAgentRecruiter@usdoj.gov for information on jobs and how to become a DEA agent in Nevada through training.

Primary Substances Abused in Nevada

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that in 2010, the primary drugs of abuse among those enrolled in drug treatment centers in Nevada were stimulants (such as methamphetamine). These were followed, in descending order from most abuse to least, by marijuana, heroin, other opiates, cocaine, tranquilizers, sedatives, other/unknown drugs, PCP, hallucinogens, and inhalants.

Drug Trafficking in Nevada

Washoe and Clark Counties in Nevada are considered by the DEA to be High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs). Within Nevada’s HIDTAs, methamphetamine is the largest threat. There are twelve drug task forces in the Nevada HIDTA working to stop drug smuggling and trafficking in the area. In 2010, the Clark County Gang Task Force was involved in a bust that netted nearly 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the Nevada HIDTA. This methamphetamine was intended for distribution in Clark County. Also that year, the Northern Nevada Interdiction Task Force seized 19 pounds of methamphetamine. This methamphetamine was bound for Reno, where it was set to be distributed.

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