United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MANHATTAN, NY. - Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division United States Drug Enforcement (DEA) John P. Gilbride announced his retirement on Wednesday, August 17, 2011. Mr. Gilbride has overseen the largest DEA office in the world for over six years. Throughout those years, the New York Field Division has arrested, extradited and jailed the highest echelons of drug traffickers and dismantled numerous drug distribution organizations across the globe. Mr. Gilbride’s leadership was instrumental in stopping these drug trafficking organizations from distributing illegal drugs throughout the New York City area and the country.

Mr. Gilbride stated, “I have worked for the DEA for over thirty years - DEA is my family. However, the time has come to pass the torch along to the next Special Agent in Charge. The New York Field Division is known for its international narcotics investigations, but also for its unique relationships within the New York law enforcement community. I am proud and humbled to have directed this office for the past six years. I will deeply miss the Special Agents from all federal organizations, Diversion Investigators, Intelligence Analysts, Federal and State Prosecutors, NYPD Detectives, NY State Police Investigators and all the employees throughout the state of New York who have worked alongside of me. I will hold the memories deep in my heart of the outstanding work done by all and wish everyone a safe journey.”

Mr. Gilbride received a MA in Human Resource Training and Development, and graduated with Highest Honors from Seton Hall University in 2001 and a BS Degree in Criminal Justice with Honors, from Northeastern University in 1982.

Mr. Gilbride joined the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1980 as a student intern and in 1982 was appointed as an Investigator in the Office of Diversion Control. In 1983 he was appointed as a Special Agent and worked in Newark, Philadelphia and New York City. In 1991 he was promoted to a Group Supervisor in the New York Field Division and in 1997 he was promoted to a Section Chief, International Operations, Washington DC. In 1999 he assumed the position of Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the New York Field Division and in 2003 he was promoted to the Senior Executive Service Ranks, assuming the position of Chief of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. In 2004, he was appointed as the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division and in 2005 he was appointed the position of Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division.

Mr. Gilbride holds memberships in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Kentucky Colonels and the New York City Police Department’s Honor Legion. Mr. Gilbride is an expert in the field of drug law enforcement having appeared on CNN, BBC, Fox News, The Today Show and Good Morning America. He has been interviewed for articles appearing in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, London Times and many other news outlets. Mr. Gilbride was awarded the Presidential Rank Award by President Bush in 2008 and is the recipient of the DEA Purple Heart and the DEA Administrator’s Award of Honor.