Oregon is considered a major transshipment state for drugs being transported throughout its complex highway corridor system, including Interstates 5, 84, and 205, as well as Highway 395.
Recent headlines out of Oregon speak to the urgency of a strong DEA presence and to the need for qualified individuals to fill Oregon DEA jobs:
- November 5, 2012: A Medford, Oregon, man was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute more than 100 kilograms (43 pounds) of marijuana. It was later discovered that the man used the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program as a front for growing marijuana for sale. This investigation was led by the DEA, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement, and the Bureau of Land Management.
- May 4, 2012: Five drug traffickers living in Salem, Oregon, but were citizens of Mexico, were charged with distributing heroin that led to the death of a 21-year-old individual. More than four pounds of heroin, quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine, and more than $20,000 were recovered as a result of the multi-state investigation, which was led by the DEA and assisted by the Oregon Department of Justice, the Oregon State Medical Examiner, the Salem Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and several others.
Drug Statistics in Oregon
Individuals interested in DEA agent careers in Oregon can gain a considerable amount of insight by studying this state’s latest drug statistics:
In 2009-2010, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Oregon ranked as one of the top 10 states for drug use in several categories: past month drug use among individuals age 12 and older; illicit drug use among individuals age 18 to 25; marijuana use among individuals age 12 and older; and marijuana use among individuals age 18 to 25.
Further, Oregon continues to rank as one of the top 10 states for cocaine use among individuals age 12 to 17; the use of non-medical pain relievers among individuals age 12 and older; the use of non-medical pain relievers among individuals age 18 to 25; and illicit drug dependence among individuals 12 to 25.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in their 2009-2010 survey, reported that 12.63 percent of Oregon residents reported illegal drug use in the past month, compared to a national average of 8.82 percent. The CDC reported that, in 2009, 576 persons died as a direct consequence of drug use.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Oregon by Meeting the Agency’s Requirements
DEA Special Agent candidates must have a bachelor’s degree at minimum. The only exceptions are made for those with many years of closely related law enforcement experience. Most DEA careers begin with a degree in criminal justice or law, along with prior law enforcement experience or highly relevant job experience related to military leadership, ship command, or piloting aircraft, among others.
Individuals interested in learning how to become a DEA agent in Oregon after meeting the requirements set forth by the agency can contact the regional recruiter at 206-553-5443 or at seattlespecialagentrecruiter@usdoj.
In Oregon, DEA careers are overseen by the Seattle Division (206-553-5443), although there are a number of DEA offices in Oregon:
- Bend – 541-385-8798 (Post of duty)
- Eugene – 541-465-6861 (Resident office)
- Medford – 541-776-4260 (Resident office)
- Portland – 503-721-6600 (District office)
- Salem – 503-399-5902 (Resident office)