The Most Famous DEA Agent, Ranked

Choose the agent you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 07:04
In the world of law enforcement, the role of DEA agents is pivotal in combating drug trafficking and distribution. Their daring missions and covert operations extend far beyond routine police work, often placing them in situations that read like movie scripts. By ranking the most notable DEA agents, we not only celebrate these unsung heroes but also gain a deeper insight into the complexities of their crucial missions. Understanding the impact of these agents helps illuminate the brave, strategic, and sometimes perilous paths they have navigated in the war against drugs. Through your votes, you can highlight the agents whose stories have inspired and informed the public, helping to recognize their dedication and courage. Join in to acknowledge the profound effects these individuals have had in shaping law enforcement tactics and public policy.

Who Is the Most Famous DEA Agent?

  1. 1
    104
    votes
    One of the lead agents in the investigation of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, portrayed in the Netflix series "Narcos."
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    Steve Murphy
    Drug Enforcement Administration · Public domain
    Partner of Javier Peña in the investigation of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, also portrayed in "Narcos."
  3. 3
    34
    votes
    A DEA agent who was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by the Guadalajara Cartel in Mexico in 1985. His death led to the creation of "Red Ribbon Week" to raise awareness about drug abuse.
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    A retired DEA agent who worked undercover and wrote several books about his experiences, including "Deep Cover" and "The Big White Lie."
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    The undercover alias used by former FBI agent Joseph Pistone during his infiltration of the Bonanno crime family in the 1970s, which was later adapted into a movie starring Johnny Depp. While not a DEA agent, his work with the FBI was highly influential in the fight against organized crime.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    A former head of the DEA and U.S. Customs Service who also served as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He was instrumental in the creation of the Southwest Border Initiative to combat drug trafficking from Mexico.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    A former DEA Administrator who served under President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. He oversaw the creation of the DEA's "Demand Reduction" program to combat drug abuse.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    The first female head of the DEA, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003. She oversaw several high-profile drug busts and was instrumental in the creation of the DEA's "Operation Wildfire" to combat the methamphetamine trade.
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    A former DEA agent who served as the head of the agency's Chicago office and later oversaw its operations in the Midwest. He was a vocal advocate for stronger enforcement of drug laws and appeared on the TV show "60 Minutes" to discuss the opioid epidemic.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    A former DEA agent who served as the head of the agency's Miami office and oversaw several high-profile drug busts in the 1980s and 1990s. He was also involved in the investigation of the Iran-Contra scandal.

Missing your favorite agent?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for famous agent

  1. High-profile cases
    Agents who have worked on high-profile cases that have attracted media attention and public interest are more likely to be well-known.
  2. Successful operations
    Agents who have successfully taken down major drug rings or confiscated large amounts of illegal drugs are highly respected within the agency and may receive more recognition.
  3. Longevity and experience
    Agents with many years of experience in the DEA, and who have worked on a variety of different cases and operations, are more likely to have developed a reputation for excellence.
  4. Leadership roles
    Agents who have held leadership positions within the DEA, or who have been responsible for training new agents or overseeing operations, may also be highly respected and well-known.
  5. Contribution to the field
    Agents who have made significant contributions to the field of drug enforcement, such as developing new strategies or techniques for combating drug trafficking, may also be considered highly influential and respected within the agency.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous DEA agent. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or agent is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3396 views
  • 221 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each agent once every 24 hours. The rank of each agent is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most famous dea agent

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States federal law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution. Since its establishment in 1973, the agency has been responsible for investigating and prosecuting drug-related crimes, as well as supporting international drug control efforts. Over the years, the DEA has been home to numerous agents who have made significant contributions to the agency's mission. From undercover operatives to high-ranking officials, these individuals have risked their lives to bring down drug cartels and protect American citizens from the devastating effects of drug abuse. While there have been many notable DEA agents throughout the agency's history, several stand out as particularly famous. From the legendary "father of the DEA" Harry J. Anslinger to the modern-day hero Kiki Camarena, these agents have become household names thanks to their tireless efforts to fight the drug war. So, who is the most famous DEA agent? That's a question that continues to be debated among law enforcement experts and enthusiasts alike.

Share this article