In North Carolina, DEA careers are dedicated to combating the illicit drug trade in this state. Although the explosion of the North Carolina farming industry between 1990 and 2000 brought revenue and jobs to the state, it also brought an influx of illegal aliens entering the job market. During this time, the population of North Carolina grew by 21 percent. As a result of the swelling population and the introduction of illegal aliens, the illicit drug trade also grew.
This state’s substantial interstate highway network serves to provide distribution and transshipment corridors for illegal drugs, including Interstates 26, 40, 85, 95 and 485 and U.S. Highways 29, 52, 64, 74, 220, 264, and 321.
The recent statistics reflect the growth of illicit drug activity and trade in North Carolina:
- According to the El Paso Intelligence Center’s National Seizure System, the number of methamphetamine lab seizures in North Carolina increased from 196 in 2008 to 395 in 2011, a 102 percent increase.
- A 2009-2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 8.88 percent of residents in North Carolina reported illicit drug use, compared to a national average of 8.82 percent.
North Carolina DEA in the News
On January 18, 2013, nine men out of Charlotte were arrested and charged with drug conspiracy. The operation, which was led by the DEA, along with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, was part of a six-month investigation called “Operation Enderly Park,” which was organized to reduce crime in northwest Charlotte. All men were charged with possessing and attempting to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana.
Another cocaine trafficking conspiracy in February 2013, which was uncovered by the DEA, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Mint Hill Police Department, resulted in guilty verdicts for three men.
North Carolina DEA Jobs and Careers:
How to Become a DEA Agent in North Carolina by Meeting Requirements
Individuals who are interested in learning how to become a DEA agent in North Carolina by meeting the agency’s requirements should start by reaching out to local schools offering degrees in law and criminal justice. DEA agents routinely hold Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degrees in law, although bachelor’s degrees are also common.
Information on North Carolina careers can also be obtained by contacting the regional recruiter at 404-893-7122.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in North Carolina is overseen by the Atlanta Division (404-893-7000), which also oversees DEA operations in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
Within North Carolina, Asheville (828-350-3440) serves as a post of duty, while Charlotte (704-770-2050) serves as a district office and Greensboro (336-547-4210), Raleigh (919-790-3004), and Wilmington (910-815-4513) serve as resident offices.