United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division has new leadership. DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole has appointed Anthony Chrysanthis as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC), covering Southern California, Nevada, Hawaii and the U.S. Territories of Guam and Saipan. 

Special Agent in Charge Chrysanthis draws upon a wealth of field experience, tactical insight, and keen executive leadership gained across a distinguished 29-year DEA career. He has collaborated closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat drug poisonings, dismantle trafficking networks, and protect at-risk communities.

Chrysanthis said, “I am grateful for the distinct honor of leading and supporting such an exceptional team. The men and women of DEA remain committed to safeguarding our communities from global criminal networks, drug cartels, and narcotics peddlers who exploit and prey upon vulnerable Americans.” 

Chrysanthis added that the drug crisis is one of the most serious threats facing the modern world and one that demands urgent action. “I have seen drugs ruin bodies, debilitate minds, and devastate families. Ruthless drug traffickers continue to line their pockets with no regard to the human suffering. These drug emporiums capitalize on our entry points, highways, waterways, and financial assets. Now, more than ever, DEA will hold true to its mission to protect, prevent, and support,” said Chrysanthis.

Chrysanthis, a 29-year veteran of the Drug Enforcement Administration, assumed the role of Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Los Angeles Field Division in January, 2026. Chrysanthis previously served as the Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the DEA L.A. Field Division, from 2022 to 2025. In April 2024, he was selected as Acting Special Agent in Charge for the San Diego Field Division, where he served for four months.

From 2016 to 2022, Chrysanthis served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA L.A. Field Division. Prior to that role, from 2010 to 2016, Chrysanthis served as an Inspector in the Office of Professional Responsibility for the DEA. While assigned to the Office of Professional Responsibility, Chrysanthis rose to the level of Senior Inspector, responsible for overseeing all internal affair investigations for the western United States, Asia, and Middle-East. Between 1997 and 2010, Chrysanthis worked the streets of Los Angeles as a DEA Special Agent and Group Supervisor.

Chrysanthis has leveraged his extensive career in Los Angeles to help cultivate and build on partnerships with state, local, and other federal agencies. Chrysanthis said he will prioritize exceptionally impactful investigations on the most significant Drug Trafficking Organizations. Chrysanthis sees the mission of DEA as keeping communities safe and healthy, while reducing drug-related violent crime.

Chrysanthis said that disrupting and dismantling trafficking networks remains a paramount priority, and a goal that can be attained through enforcement, awareness, and community partnerships. His operational background, wide-ranging experience, and proven leadership make him exceptionally well prepared to take on this responsibility. 

Chrysanthis takes over from his predecessor, Brian M. Clark, who has been appointed to a new role.