Vietnam to DEA: The 26-Year Journey of Retired DEA Agent James Conklin | Drug Enforcement Stories

Описание: In this gripping interview, retired DEA Special Agent James Conklin shares his incredible 26-year career fighting the war on drugs. From his early days as a Marine in Vietnam to undercover operations in New York, San Diego, and Bangkok, Conklin reveals the challenges, dangers, and triumphs of his work. Learn about high-stakes cases, including the largest Thai marijuana seizure in history, battling Chinese heroin traffickers, and dismantling meth labs in the U.S. Discover how his upbringing, family, and personal convictions shaped his relentless pursuit of justice.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

Joining the DEA in 1971 and early undercover work in New York
Infiltrating the Mafia and major heroin busts
The rise of the "Coronado Company" and their million-dollar drug empire
Undercover operations in Thailand targeting Chinese heroin traffickers
The largest Thai marijuana seizure (120 tons!) and the Brian Daniels case
Combating methamphetamine labs in San Diego
Reflections on the impact of drugs on society and family

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Keywords: DEA agent, drug enforcement, war on drugs, heroin trafficking, Thai marijuana, meth labs, undercover operations, organized crime, Khun Sa, Coronado Company, Brian Daniels.

Timecodes/Chapters
0:00 - Intro
04:35 - Was there something that drew you to law enforcement?
06:07 - In 1971 I started with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
09:31 - Frank Tummillo got killed in an undercover deal
12:48 - BNDD is converted to DEA by President Nixon
14:19 - What kind of cases were you working on the border in San Ysidro?
18:15 - We were free to work in Mexico
19:08 - I worked in Tijijuana
31:07 - The Coronado Company investigation
43:02 - What are Thai Sticks?
45:38 - How do you get an overseas position in DEA?
46:41 - What does DEA do overseas?
50:58 - We ran 35 wiretaps at all times
1:06:13 - What was your experience like in Bangkok?
1:08:16 - Did the Thais believe drugs were harming their society?
1:12:30 - Where was methamphetamine coming from in 1991 in San Diego?
1:27:05 - Did being in law enforcement affect your family?
1:29:06 - Have your views on people and society changed?