Episode 85 retired DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Whipple

Interview with retired DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Whipple

Years of Service: 1985-2021

Steve grew up in Texas but spent some of his formative years living in Iran while his stepfather worked in the oil industry.

In 1985, Steve was hired by the DEA in the Dallas Field Division and arrived in Quantico, VA, for training at the DEA Academy by December 1985. Being a native Texan, Steve was very unhappy to hear the news that he was being assigned to the New York Field Division and thought about quitting several times on his drive from Texas to New York. Once in New York, the work was so interesting that he decided he would make it work.

While in New York, Steve got his first chance to work undercover and was part of a group targeting Colombian importers and distributors.

During this same time, Steve learned about Operation Snowcap, which was a new program formed by the DEA to target South American drug traffickers in their home countries. The premise behind Snowcap was to take the fight to the traffickers by locating and destroying cocaine laboratories as well as clandestine airstrips used to smuggle drugs from South America to the United States. Steve served two tours in Ecuador before his wife gave him the ultimatum of his job or family. He said it was one of his only smart decisions, and he chose his family.

Steve was transferred to El Paso, Texas, where he continued to work undercover but also began working on an investigation targeting the Amado Carillo-Fuentes organization. Because of this investigation, a contract was put out on his life, and he was forced to move.

Throughout his career, Steve has worked in New York, Atlanta, DEA Headquarters, and offices throughout Texas, including El Paso, San Antonio, and Houston.

During this interview, Steve discusses some of his investigations and his rise through the ranks of the DEA to finally retire as the Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division.

00:00 Introduction to Steven Whipple's Career
01:27 Early Life and Family Background
02:47 Living in Iran: Childhood Memories
06:01 Path to Law Enforcement
08:46 Joining the DEA and Initial Assignments
11:27 First Undercover Experiences
19:13 Snowcap Operations in South America
30:44 Life and Work in El Paso
38:57 Understanding Drug Traffickers
49:05 The Rise of Amado Carrillo Fuentes
51:01 Innovative Drug Trafficking Methods
53:12 The El Paso Corridor Strategy
53:50 Unraveling the Network
55:19 The Violent Operations of Alonzo's Gang
56:53 Port Runner Task Force
58:29 The Big Bust and Aftermath
01:06:42 The Threat Against Steve Whipple
01:20:41 Amado's Downfall and Legacy
01:30:14 Career Advice and Early Experiences
01:31:44 Leadership Styles and Influences
01:32:09 Memorable Supervisors and Mentors
01:33:37 Challenges and Career Growth
01:40:56 Retirement and Return to Duty
01:48:41 Hurricane Harvey Response
01:57:21 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
02:04:49 Defund the Police Movement
02:10:47 Reflections on Law Enforcement Career