Manchester, which is the largest city in New Hampshire and the largest in the upper part of New England, has often been touted for its low cost of living and its pro-business climate. However, given its strategic position along the Merrimack River and its proximity to some of the larger metropolitan areas, including Boston, Augusta, Providence, and Hartford, Manchester has also become an area teeming with illegal drug activity.
Manchester DEA Careers: Understanding the Role of the DEA in Manchester
Individuals seeking information on how to become a DEA agent in Manchester by meeting the agency’s strict requirements can benefit from understanding the role the DEA plays in this New England city. For example, in August 2011, the Manchester Police Department seized cocaine, methamphetamine pills, marijuana, and guns during three separate raids within the greater Manchester area. The raids resulted in the seizure of more than 8 ounces of cocaine, more than three pounds of marijuana, 60 methamphetamine pills, and materials for growing marijuana.
The Northern New England HIDTA Task Force
The New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs), which are designed to identify and stop money laundering and drug trafficking organizations operating in New England, were originally formed in 1999 because of the pure heroin that was found throughout New England. The task force is also charged with identifying and stopping the drug trafficking groups smuggling heroin between New York and New England and the between the United States and Canada.
The Northern New England HIDTA Task Force, which was established in Manchester, is led by the DEA and is a collaboration among state, federal and local task forces. The Northern New England HIDTA Task Force is responsible for investigating all levels of drug distributors throughout Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
How to Become a DEA Agent in Manchester by Meeting Requirements
Before applying for a job with the DEA, individuals interested in achieving Manchester DEA careers must first understand the minimum employment requirements. All individuals interested in learning how to become a DEA agent in Manchester must be between the ages of 21 and 36, they must be U.S. citizens, and they must have possess a valid driver’s license.
Special agent careers in the DEA also demand a number of pre-employment requirements. All DEA agents must pass a background investigation, DEA drug test, psychological assessments, written and physical tests, and a polygraph examination.
Individuals who want to learn how to become a DEA agent in Manchester must also successfully complete, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.9 (master’s, LLB or JD degree have no minimum GPA requirements). However, it is possible to lock down a DEA career though extensive experience in one of the following areas:
- Undercover operations/surveillance
- Narcotics/drug-related investigations
- Evidence organization for prosecution officials
Individuals interested in learning more about how to become a DEA agent in Manchester through training can contact the Manchester DEA Resident office at 603-628-7411.