Episode #168 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Shelly Howe, San Diego DEAEpisode #168 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Shelly Howe, San Diego DEA
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe began her law enforcement career in 1999 as a Special Agent with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, where she worked with the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office on numerous federal narcotics investigations. In 2003, Mrs. Howe began her career as a Special Agent with the DEA in the Minneapolis/St. Paul District Office. In 2012, she was promoted to Group Supervisor of the San Ysidro Resident Office and in 2015 was named as the Resident Agent in Charge. As a supervisor, Mrs. Howe led Special Agents, Task Force Officers, Intelligence Research Specialists and support personnel in support of DEA’s mission. In 2017, Mrs. Howe was selected to serve as an Inspector for the Office of Professional Responsibility in Arlington, Virginia. In 2018, she was promoted to the Executive Assistant for the Operational Support Division and for the Principal Deputy Administrator of DEA. In 2019, Mrs. Howe was selected to be the Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the San Diego Field Division. In 2022, Mrs. Howe was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as the Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Field Division. As the Special Agent in Charge, Mrs. Howe is responsible for DEA operations in San Diego and Imperial Counties. During her law enforcement career, Mrs. Howe has received numerous awards for exceptional service, including City of St. Paul Chief’s Award, Minnesota State Association Narcotics Investigators Group of the Year Award, and the DEA Administrator’s Outstanding Group Achievement Award. Mrs. Howe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mrs. Howe is married with three young children. She enjoys golfing and the outdoor activities San Diego has to offer.
45:38•11 Mar 2024
Shelly Howe: Inside the DEA's Fight Against Drug Cartels
Episode Overview
- Shelly Howe shares her extensive career journey in law enforcement.
- The DEA's mission focuses on reducing the supply of illicit drugs.
- Personal stories from undercover work highlight unexpected gratitude from arrestees.
- Educational initiatives like the Red Ribbon campaign aim to prevent drug use.
- Parents need to be vigilant about online drug purchases by their children.
“Every single person I arrested ultimately thanked me because that was a way for them to turn their life around”
In this gripping episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev sits down with Shelly Howe, the Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego DEA. Shelly takes us on a journey through her remarkable career in law enforcement, starting from her early days with the Iowa Department of Public Safety to her current role tackling drug cartels in San Diego.
Shelly's candid reflections on her undercover work, balancing motherhood, and the DEA's mission to combat the supply of illicit drugs make for an engaging and eye-opening conversation. Shelly shares personal anecdotes from her time working undercover, highlighting the unexpected gratitude she received from those she arrested. She emphasises the importance of attacking the supply chain of drugs like fentanyl, which has devastating effects on communities.
Shelly's insights into the daily operations of the DEA, including their overdose response teams and collaborative efforts across San Diego, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs in the fight against drug trafficking. The episode also delves into the human side of law enforcement, as Shelly discusses the emotional toll of losing colleagues and friends to drug-related incidents.
She passionately advocates for educating parents about the dangers of drug emojis and online drug purchases, stressing the need for vigilance in today's digital age. Her stories of community engagement and educational initiatives, like the Red Ribbon campaign, underscore the DEA's commitment to prevention and awareness. Dr. Lev and Shelly's conversation is both informative and heartfelt, offering valuable insights into the complexities of drug enforcement and the personal dedication required to make a difference.
If you're looking for an episode that combines real-life stories with practical advice on combating drug addiction, this one is a must-listen.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.