Maryland is home to one of the busiest High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) in the United States – the Washington, D.C./Baltimore HIDTA. This area covers parts of Virginia, the city of Baltimore and the Maryland counties of Charles, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel and Baltimore. In Maryland, DEA jobs are particularly prevalent in these counties because of the strong presence and influence of drug cartels here.
Drug Trafficking in Maryland
The Washington, D.C./Baltimore HIDTA is an area of trafficking for a variety of drugs. They include heroin, imported from South America and arriving in this HIDTA through New York City; cocaine in crack and powder form; and marijuana, which comes into this HIDTA from the southwestern part of the U.S. and often through commercial parcel carriers. Street gangs also play a large role in distribution of drugs throughout this HIDTA.
The Maryland DEA and law enforcement are making strides against drug trafficking, however. The rate of violent crime attributed to drugs in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore HIDTA has declined in recent years. Recently, a law enforcement task force from Harford County was recognized for taking down the “World’s Most Dangerous” Drug Trafficking Organization, based in Baltimore with wholesale suppliers in Atlanta, GA. This DTO was selling crack cocaine in the Edgewood area of Harford County when the joint investigation and wiretap commenced.
Law enforcement agencies that participated in this task force include the FBI, Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Havre de Grace Police Department, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, Maryland State Police, Bel Air Police Department, Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Aberdeen Police Department. In all, between Maryland and Georgia, the task force was responsible for seizing $118,000, two vehicles, one handgun, 2.4 lbs of marijuana, 2 kg of raw heroin, and 4.5 kg of cocaine.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Maryland
It is not easy to meet the requirements necessary to become a DEA agent in Maryland. Basic requirements that must be met before becoming a DEA agent in Maryland and qualifying for academy training include possession of a college degree (such as a J.D., L.L.B. or Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience) as well as experience in drug investigations.
Maryland’s DEA is part of the Washington, DC division of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. They can be reached by calling (202) 305-8500. Maryland offices within this division include a Resident Office in Hagerstown (301-223-1997), a Post of Duty Office in Salisbury (410-860-4800) and a District Office in Baltimore (410-244-3500). The recruiter for the Washington, D.C. Division of the DEA can be reached by calling (202) 305-8126 or 8144.
Fugitives Wanted By the Maryland DEA
Among the fugitives who are currently wanted within the Maryland jurisdiction of the Washington, D.C. Division of the DEA is Celestino Brooks-Chambers (aka Edwardo Burton Evans, aka Sony). This 45-year-old Panama native is wanted in the Baltimore jurisdiction on charges of conspiracy to distribute/possession with intent to distribute at least 5 kg of cocaine.
Also wanted within the District of Maryland is Alfonso Rodriguez-Caro, a 52-year-old Mexican born man. He is wanted on charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and is to be considered armed and dangerous.
For those who encounter any of the above wanted individuals, the DEA recommends calling 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) or the nearest Maryland DEA office.