Derek Maltz, a 28-year veteran of the DEA and former head of its Special Operations Division, has been appointed as the new acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration under Donald Trump’s administration. Known for his aggressive stance against drug cartels, Maltz plans to target the spread of fentanyl through close collaboration with federal and local partners. He has been a vocal proponent of designating cartels like Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, a move President Trump has formalised through an executive order. This designation empowers authorities to use counter-terrorism tools, including harsher legal charges and even military actions, to combat organised drug crime.

Maltz emphasised his commitment to saving lives and dismantling international narco-terrorist networks using intelligence-sharing and enforcement strategies. He also plans to address the domestic crisis exacerbated by fentanyl, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years. With his extensive experience, Maltz aims to strategically lead DEA operations and intensify efforts against transnational criminal organisations.

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