How to Become a DEA Agent in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Meeting Requirements

At one time, Colombian drug trafficking organizations were the most prevalent suppliers of drugs to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. However, as of 2011, Mexican drug trafficking organizations have surpassed Colombians in the amount of drugs trafficked within the city. This drug trafficking and the crimes that surround it keep Philadelphia DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agents quite busy.

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How to Become a DEA Agent in Philadelphia

For those considering what it takes to become a DEA agent in Philadelphia by meeting the Administration’s requirements, it is important to note that a college degree must be held. A bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.95 GPA, a master’s degree, a J.D. or an L.L.B. degree are the degree options that are best suited for DEA jobs. See the DEA Special Agent Qualifications page for specific information on requirements that must be met before one can become a DEA agent in Philadelphia and begin training.

Philadelphia is the location of the head office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)’s regional division. A division office is located within the city. The recruiter for the Philadelphia Division is Special Agent James Knoll, who can be reached by telephone at (215) 861-3292. Ms. Charmagne Smith, Recruiter Assistant, may also answer questions regarding Philadelphia DEA jobs and careers by calling (215) 861-3481 or emailing philadelphiaspecialagentrecruiter@usdoj.gov.

Drug Crimes in Philadelphia

A 2011 Philadelphia Weekly report noted that some neighborhoods in the city of Philadelphia experience far more drug-related crimes than others. While other sections of the city experience drug crimes, North Philadelphia is by far the worst section of the city in terms of number of drug crimes, especially in the Kensington and Fairhill areas. Crimes in these areas range from drug dealing to shootings.

Drugs of Abuse in Philadelphia

Heroin is the most popular drug of abuse in Philadelphia, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This organization reports that in 2008, those admitted to drug treatment centers in the Philadelphia area reported a higher use of heroin and smoked cocaine than the national average. Marijuana and prescription painkillers were other common drugs of abuse in the city that year.

Drug Threats and Trafficking in Philadelphia

As of 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center reports that heroin is the most prevalent drug threat in terms of availability within the Philadelphia/Camden High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Additionally, Philadelphia has become one of the east coast’s most prominent markets for cocaine. Drugs are commonly distributed in the Philadelphia area through Mexican drug trafficking organizations and, on a street level, Hispanic and African American street gangs. Controlled prescription drugs such as opioids are also becoming more readily available within this HIDTA.  The report notes that there has been a rise in violent crimes and property crimes associated with controlled prescription drugs in the area.

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