DEA agents in Spokane face a variety of challenges because of the city’s unique position and demographics. Being located near the Canadian border, the city is a hub for people smuggling drugs across the border. The city is also the largest in the surrounding region, with a population concentration that supports an increased demand for illegal drugs.
Careers with the DEA
Jobs with the DEA start by meeting the minimum requirements to begin the application process. Prospective agents must fulfill at least one of the following prerequisites in order to become a DEA agent:
- Previous specialized experience in law enforcement, especially relating to drug busts and raids. This includes conducting surveillance and undercover operations as well as the arrest and detention of suspects and preparation of evidence for court presentation.
- A bachelor’s degree with three years of work experience and related coursework in a field identified as strategic by the DEA, including:
- Foreign languages
- Pilot or nautical experience
- Information systems
- Telecommunications
- Accounting
- Military experience
- A B.A. with a GPA of at least 2.95, M.A., LL.B. or J.D.
There are numerous educational institutions located throughout Washington State that offer degrees in fields identified by the DEA as strategic for jobs.
Spokane DEA Action
Sixteen residences were recently raided in Spokane in connection with a major OxyContin distribution triangle between Los Angeles, Western Washington, and the Lilac City. 15 suspects were charged in connection with the raids after the DEA conducted an investigation involving wiretaps, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Spokane Regional Drug Task Force. Some of the charges against the suspects date back five years, and prosecutors will seek a criminal forfeiture of $20 million, the estimated profits made by the drug ring.
The DEA Spokane Resident Office Task Force arrested four men as they were unloading 1,000 pounds of marijuana from inflatable boats docked along the Kettle River south of Laurier. The drugs, known as “BC Bud,” because of its origin north of the border in British Columbia, had an estimated street value of $3 million. The DEA was alerted by surveillance cameras installed along the river that flows from Canada into Washington State.
Based on a tip from a car rental agency at the Spokane International Airport, DEA agents followed a man from Spokane to the Colville Indian Reservation where he was observed leaving his vehicle carrying two large duffel bags. DEA agents discovered 38 cocaine bricks in his SUV and the man was subsequently arrested.