I have had a varied career in DEA as a Diversion Investigator (DI). My job has taken me from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale ; to DEA's Training Academy in Quantico , Virginia ; to DEA Headquarters in Arlington , Virginia ; to Frankfurt , Germany .

As an entry-level DI in Florida , my duties included conducting criminal investigation on DEA registrants, primarily pharmacists and doctors. These targets were using their DEA licenses to sell pharmaceutical controlled substances illegally. The investigations require a range of techniques including the use of informants, undercover purchases and search warrants. D/I's work with state and local law enforcement or DEA special agents when using these techniques. However, during criminal investigations, we unilaterally conduct pharmacy prescription surveys, interview witnesses and conduct accountability audits to ensure that the controlled substances have been dispensed legally.

Additionally, DI's in the field are responsible for the licensure of DEA registrants including chemical handlers. This entails conducting pre-registration interviews with potential licensees. We check the security of the firms and review the requirements and regulations of holding a DEA license.

Another major responsibility is to conduct periodic inspections of large firms such as distributors and manufacturers of controlled substances. This includes accountability audits and security review.

My next assignment was at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico , Virginia . There I was one of two class coordinators for the Office of Diversion. My two primary responsibilities were to organize in-service schools for current DI's and to coordinate basic diversion schools for new DI's. This included teaching, writing lesson plans, supervision of counselors, recruiting instructors, preparing exams as well as preparing and submitting budgets for each class.

I was then assigned to the International Chemical Section of Diversion at DEA Headquarters where I headed up a project to determine the importation and distribution of potassium permanganate. This is a precursor used in the production of cocaine. My tasking was directly related to a world wide initiative to prevent the diversion of this chemical.

I am currently assigned to DEA's office in Frankfurt , Germany . I am the only DI covering Europe although my primary area of responsibility is Germany , Poland and the Czech Republic . I work with local counterparts to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals and controlled substance pharmaceuticals which are produced in Europe . This includes exchanging information about potential sources of supply as well as conducting criminal cases where there's a nexus to or from the United States . I also provide assistance to other DEA offices in Europe as needed, including providing briefings and teaching courses as requested regarding diversion control.