How to Become a DEA Agent in Charleston, South Carolina by Meeting Requirements

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a resident office in the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Here in Charleston, DEA special agents often depend upon teamwork with other federal agencies, along with the City of Charleston Police Department, as part of their job in the war on illegal drug trafficking. Gang activity has been a growing concern in Charleston and the DEA has found that working in tandem to identify a crime pattern in a target area and conducting investigations can result in prosecution and conviction of criminal street gangs that deal with illegal drugs.

High Profile DEA Busts Through Law Enforcement Partnerships in Charleston

In January, 2013, the Charleston District Office DEA announced the indictment and sentencing of the leader of a criminal street gang that sold drugs such as heroin and “crack” cocaine, even in a so-called “open air drug market,” and engaged in violence. The gang operated in downtown Charleston in the local area east of Meeting Street known as “Eastside.” 15 other members of the gang were also indicted. The Charleston DEA agents worked on this case with the City of Charleston police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives, and the FBI.

Charleston DEA Careers: How to Become a DEA Agent in Charleston, SC

The Atlanta Field Division (AFD) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) oversees the Charlotte District Office and handles its recruiting and hiring. For a quick assessment and to find out if an individual’s qualifications meet the minimum requirements of a DEA Special Agent, take the online Eligibility Quiz.

Along with qualifications such as age range (between 21-36 years of age at time of appointment) and ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance, the DEA looks for candidates with a combination of higher education and experience:

  • Possess a bachelor’s degree (with a minimum GPA of 2.95); a Master’s degree; or a LL.B. or J.D. law degree
  • Prior law enforcement experience, specifically in the area of illegal drug investigations
  • Possess a Bachelor’s degree, along with a minimum of three years’ experience and specialized skills, such as having served in the military, or expertise in areas such as accounting, conducting audits, information systems, or possessing a pilot or maritime license, or fluency in one of several foreign languages.

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