Michael W. Brown
Director of Counter Drug Technology
Ashburn,Virginia
Summary
Accomplished and highly respected law enforcement executive with a proven record in counter-intelligence, security consulting, and risk assessment. Adept at staying composed in high-stress, lifesaving scenarios. Valued for a sharp eye for detail, collaborative approach, and strong leadership—always prioritizing the safety and success of the team. Experienced working with both domestic and international partners to drive mission-critical results on time and within budget. Company media spokesperson and subject matter expert on counter narcotics interdiction, presumptive analysis, cartels, narcotics smuggling and distribution.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Counter-Narcotics Interdiction Partnerships
Rigaku Analytical Devices
05.2021 - Current
- Design and execute strategic initiatives empowering law enforcement and health agencies to detect and disrupt illicit narcotics operations using advanced Raman spectroscopy. Foster domestic and international relationships across security, law enforcement, and public health sectors. Serve as lead advisor for counter-narcotics harm reduction strategies, including public education and prevention efforts.
- Media spokesperson and subject matter expert interviewed 200 times on national networks including Fox News, Newsnation, Newsmax, PBS, various radio stations, newspapers including USA Today, New York Post, and podcasts. Authored 28 bylined articles, some achieving front page coverage, for leading law enforcement and homeland security publications.
- Provided strategic briefings to elected officials on Capitol Hill.
U.S. Special Agent – Multiple Domestic and International Posts
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
01.1989 - 05.2021
- DEA Headquarters – Office of Foreign Operations (GS-14), 2019 – 2021
- Provided leadership and training for U.S. and overseas offices across Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and Afghanistan. Acted as primary liaison between U.S. law enforcement and foreign counterparts. Oversaw cost control and project management. Served as Subject Matter Expert on precursor chemical trafficking and supply chains, identifying and neutralizing emerging threats from Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Americas.
- Led the development of sweeping counter-narcotics strategies for U.S. and foreign agencies.
- Appointed Subject Matter Expert for multiple DOJ and DEA threat mitigation initiatives.
- Spearheaded whole-of-government collaboration against transnational crime.
- Country Attaché, Far East Division (Myanmar), 2017 – 2019
- Redesigned and led advanced training for regional intelligence and law enforcement on narcotics threats. Managed threat analysis, operational budget, and crisis response. Consulted U.S. Ambassadors and coordinated with the U.S. State Department on mission priorities.
- Drove the adoption of new enforcement technologies within regional agencies.
- Managed international joint operations with allies in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Thailand.
- Shifted focus from individual interdictions to dismantling entire criminal networks.
- Supervisory Special Agent, Hartford Resident Office (CT), 2014 – 2017
- Led and mentored an eight-person multi-agency anti-gang and anti-drug task force. Oversaw daily operations, complex casework, and joint initiatives with state and federal partners.
- Country Attaché, New Delhi (India), Islamabad (Pakistan), and Dushanbe (Tajikistan), 2010 – 2014
- Directed complex investigations into narco-trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. Served as advisor to U.S. Ambassadors and coordinated with multiple national law enforcement organizations across South and Central Asia. Built effective crisis management procedures, trained field teams, and managed security budgets.
- Foreign Advisor & Special Agent, Pakistan, UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, 1999 – 2004
- Led special operations during active combat in Afghanistan post-9/11—focused on intelligence gathering in support of U.S. military. Managed security operations and trained international teams in high-stress environments.
- Foreign Advisor and Field Trainer, Central & South America, 1990 – 1996
- Coordinated joint counter-narcotics operations, mentored host-nation special units in Bolivia, Guatemala, and Honduras. Conducted classified intelligence collection and led missions in difficult settings.
- Special Agent – Various Field Offices, 1989 – 1996
- Operated as primary undercover agent investigating violent criminal groups across Houston, Detroit, and Cincinnati. Provided agent training and case support.
Education
M.D. - Interdisciplinary Technology & Management
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI01-1996
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning & Administration
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH07-1987
Graduate - DEA Enforcement Program
DEA Training Program
The DEA/FBI Academy Located In Quantico, Va06-1989
Skills
- Crisis Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Counter-Narcotics Operations
- Risk & Threat Mitigation
- Team Leadership
- Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
- Global Law Enforcement
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Executive Leadership
- Team Building Strategies
- Advanced Risk Assessment
- Personnel Management
- Intelligence Analysis
- Negotiation
- Cross-Border Operations
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- Field Training & Mentoring
- Investigative Techniques
- Firearms & Tactical Planning
- Forensics
- Project management
- Team management
- Creativity and innovation
- Operations management
- People management
- Strategies and goals
- Project coordination
- Staff management
- Organizational development
- Goal setting
- Charismatic leader
- Partnerships and alliances
- Crisis management
- Government relations
- Corporate communications
- Media relations
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Risk management
Accomplishments
Developer of the Opioid Podcast; A journey into the Rabbit Hole
Timeline
Director, Counter-Narcotics Interdiction Partnerships
Rigaku Analytical Devices
05.2021 - Current
U.S. Special Agent – Multiple Domestic and International Posts
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
01.1989 - 05.2021
M.D. - Interdisciplinary Technology & Management
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning & Administration
University of Cincinnati
Graduate - DEA Enforcement Program
DEA Training Program