DEA Removes US Anti-Drug Agency Director From Position:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) removed the director of the US anti-drug agency in Mexico from his post following a deterioration in cooperation with the Mexican government, according to The Washington Post.
Nick Palmeri was undergoing an investigation into his conduct when the agency made the decision. It was a critical time when the death toll related to drugs had risen to record levels.
Palmeri’s removal left the DEA’s regional office in Mexico City without a full-time director for six months at least. The Department of Justice’s internal comptroller found an improper use of DEA funds assigned to investigative work by a regional director and other irregularities, resulting in the person being “removed ultimately” from the agency.
The agency chose not to file any criminal charges against the official, according to the report. Palmeri confirmed to the Post that it was him and that his departure “should be considered a forced retirement” due to infighting at the agency. He denied engaging in any improper activity.
The DEA opened a second investigation to check if Palmeri had connections with lawyers for drug lords. The agency official had worked for the DEA for a total of 24 years and and 6 months. He had worked in the New York Police Department prior to this.
