How to Become a DEA Agent in Fayetteville, Arkansas by Meeting Requirements

In March 2012, the DEA’s “Operation La Pantera Negra” led to a major methamphetamine bust that helped to dismantle a large scale drug trafficking ring. The ring was controlled by the Mexican cartel “Pantera Negra” and circulated widely throughout Northwest Arkansas. Agents from a nearby DEA field office in Fayetteville worked closely with local state police departments and other government agencies to supply wire taps, surveillance, undercover activity and informants to extinguish the illegal drug network. The historic bust led to the prosecution of thirty-one suspects and a seizure of over 118 pounds of methamphetamine. It is success stories like this that continually inspire people to pursue Fayetteville DEA jobs and careers.

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

Drug Transportation Routes in Arkansas

Arkansas’s geographic location contributes to the accessibility of illegal drugs throughout the state. With the Mississippi River flowing on the eastern border, Arkansas can become an easy target for drug traffickers with intent on maneuvering products via waterways. I-30 is also a common channel for drug transport because it connects the state to distributors in Texas. Finally, I-40 which runs east-west across Arkansas also proves to be popular drug import routes here. The DEA recognizes and closely monitors these three major pipelines in a constant effort to thwart criminal enterprises.

Drug Abuse Statistics in Arkansas

According to drugrehab.org, the DEA considers club drugs, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine as the biggest drug threats plaguing Arkansas today. Although it is estimated that less than 10% of all addicts take advantage of drug rehabilitation facilities located throughout the state, this figure is still higher than in previous decades. Here are some drug abuse facts in Arkansas:

  • The majority of heroin users (46%) are between twenty-six and thirty-five years-old.
  • The majority of all crack users (45%) are between thirty-one and forty years-old.
  • The majority of all marijuana users (39%) are between twenty-one and thirty years-old.
  • The majority of all methamphetamine users (38%) are between twenty-one and thirty years old.

DEA Pre-requisites for Employment in Fayetteville

Students and professionals interested in how to become a DEA agent in Fayetteville are lucky because there is one of three DEA field offices in the state located here. However, before contacting the field office, aspiring agents should become familiar with the DEA’s employment pre-requisites:

  • Must be United States citizens
  • Must pass a standard DEA drug test
  • Must complete of a drug questionnaire
  • Must complete and drug use statement
  • Must pass a background check
  • Must register with the Selective Service System (only men born after 12/31/1959)

DEA Special Agent Education and Training

Most DEA special agents have some form of formal education such as a LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree or a J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree. However, by exhibiting the following specialized skills and areas of expertise, individuals can greatly enhance their potential to become a DEA agent in Fayetteville through training:

  • Conducting drug-related investigations
  • Surveillance/undercover activities
  • Apprehending/arresting suspects
  • Organizing evidence
  • Testifying in court
  • Accounting/auditing
  • Foreign language
  • Military
  • Technical/mechanical
  • Pilot/maritime
  • Law enforcement

Back to Top