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Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent
True Stories from the Underbelly of World Drug Traffickers
While the rest of us were safe in our homes, DEA Special Agent Mike Fredericks was busting dopers around the world and preventing illicit drugs from hitting the streets in the US.
Written from his extensive diaries and court documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, the real-life adventures of Mike Fredericks read like fiction—and will either scare the pants off you or assure you that daring agents like Fredericks are on the job.
From Portland to Pakistan, Colombia to the Caribbean, Fredericks was working hard and playing harder, ripping and running, buying drugs undercover, driving fast cars, arresting felons and fugitives, busting redneck meth labs in remote Oregon sites, raiding clandestine cocaine labs in dense Colombian jungles, training with US Army special forces, investigating heroin traffickers in Pakistan, and working internationally to dismantle worldwide drug distribution organizations.
This memoir is the inside story of decorated Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent, Mike Fredericks.
Warning : This book contains scenes of terrorism and weapons use, drugs and drug trafficking, and torture. It also contains profanity. For adult readers only.
While the rest of us were safe in our homes, DEA Special Agent Mike Fredericks was busting dopers around the world and preventing illicit drugs from hitting the streets in the US.
Written from his extensive diaries and court documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, the real-life adventures of Mike Fredericks read like fiction—and will either scare the pants off you or assure you that daring agents like Fredericks are on the job.
From Portland to Pakistan, Colombia to the Caribbean, Fredericks was working hard and playing harder, ripping and running, buying drugs undercover, driving fast cars, arresting felons and fugitives, busting redneck meth labs in remote Oregon sites, raiding clandestine cocaine labs in dense Colombian jungles, training with US Army special forces, investigating heroin traffickers in Pakistan, and working internationally to dismantle worldwide drug distribution organizations.
This memoir is the inside story of decorated Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent, Mike Fredericks.
Warning : This book contains scenes of terrorism and weapons use, drugs and drug trafficking, and torture. It also contains profanity. For adult readers only.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2023
163 people are currently reading
4556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 12, 2025
An intriguing well written dive into the dangerous, rough-and-tumble world of taking down drug dealers. This memoir written by a retired undercover agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration takes readers on a worldwide journey to root out narcotics trafficking. Based on the author’s personal journal, he details busting the Breaking Bad-type RV in America’s rural reaches, tracking down cartel drug-manufacturing operations in the jungle of Columbia and dealing with sketchy characters in the unpredictable streets of Pakistan. This book is well worth the read.
October 14, 2023
“Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent” by Mike Fredericks takes you into the adrenaline-charged, dangerous world of law enforcement and drug traffickers. When the author describes law enforcement as being in his family’s DNA, he isn’t kidding. DEA Special Agent Mike Fredericks pulls back the curtain to give us an insider’s view of the illegal drug trade in the United States and abroad. He leaves no stone unturned as he shows us the graphic and gruesome underbelly of what DEA agents deal with every day, while we’re getting kids ready for school, working in the home office, or dining out.
Gleaned from court documents and his own journals, this author presents his true story, but it’s so cinematic it reads like a gripping screenplay. Some of the locations Fredericks has traveled to in playing hardball with drug cartels are Colombia, the Caribbean, Dubai, and New York, just to name a few. Being a DEA agent isn’t for the fainthearted, as you will read. He encountered terrorism and faced death on several occasions. While undercover, he had to buy drugs, worked with informants, felons, and those on the run, trying to track down meth labs while working with Special Forces. If you like hard-hitting crime/law enforcement accounts, especially true accounts written by the agent himself, you will love this one.
Fredericks presents this adult-only high-octane autobiography in a way that has you intrigued, if not riveted, from the beginning. He allows us to see that sometimes real life is just like an action film, and sometimes it isn’t. His career began in the early 70s with the President Nixon-endorsed “War on Drugs.” What followed was the author’s years as a US Customs sky marshal, Special Agent criminal investigator, Secret Service, and member of several federal drug task forces. When this author shares his experiences, people should listen and read, because we don’t often get behind-the-scenes accounts and details like this.
The commitment Frederick had for his job is astounding. I admire his style of writing and his you-are-there approach. It pulls you right into the story, and each scene brims with realism and tension. This is what you get when real life is bigger than a movie and deserves to be one. The accompanying images are a nice addition too. Besides the suspense, the author never forgets the impact the drug trade has on personal lives. This is the fabric real-life heroes are made from. Overall, a very well-rounded book. Simply put, “Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent” by Mike Fredericks is a must-read.
Gleaned from court documents and his own journals, this author presents his true story, but it’s so cinematic it reads like a gripping screenplay. Some of the locations Fredericks has traveled to in playing hardball with drug cartels are Colombia, the Caribbean, Dubai, and New York, just to name a few. Being a DEA agent isn’t for the fainthearted, as you will read. He encountered terrorism and faced death on several occasions. While undercover, he had to buy drugs, worked with informants, felons, and those on the run, trying to track down meth labs while working with Special Forces. If you like hard-hitting crime/law enforcement accounts, especially true accounts written by the agent himself, you will love this one.
Fredericks presents this adult-only high-octane autobiography in a way that has you intrigued, if not riveted, from the beginning. He allows us to see that sometimes real life is just like an action film, and sometimes it isn’t. His career began in the early 70s with the President Nixon-endorsed “War on Drugs.” What followed was the author’s years as a US Customs sky marshal, Special Agent criminal investigator, Secret Service, and member of several federal drug task forces. When this author shares his experiences, people should listen and read, because we don’t often get behind-the-scenes accounts and details like this.
The commitment Frederick had for his job is astounding. I admire his style of writing and his you-are-there approach. It pulls you right into the story, and each scene brims with realism and tension. This is what you get when real life is bigger than a movie and deserves to be one. The accompanying images are a nice addition too. Besides the suspense, the author never forgets the impact the drug trade has on personal lives. This is the fabric real-life heroes are made from. Overall, a very well-rounded book. Simply put, “Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent” by Mike Fredericks is a must-read.
November 27, 2023
Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent is an engaging, true account of the life and career of law enforcement officer Mike Fredericks. Fredericks's journey from a customs officer to a DEA Special Agent offers an insightful look into the illegal drug trade in the U.S. and internationally.
The book is crafted from Fredericks's detailed notes and court documents, creating a compelling narrative. The inclusion of photographs enhances the reader's connection to the events, bringing a vivid and immediate quality to the storytelling. Fredericks demonstrates his skill as a writer, balancing engaging storytelling with attention to detail. His meticulous recounting of events, down to clothing and vehicles, immerses the reader in the scenes, allowing them to experience the action from his perspective.
What sets this book apart is its depth. It goes beyond being a mere recounting of drug busts. Fredericks paints a comprehensive picture of himself as a law enforcement officer and a family man deeply committed to his wife and son. His wife's portrayal as a strong, supportive partner adds a personal dimension to the narrative. The book touches on the broader impact of drugs on families and communities, adding a layer of social commentary. As the book concludes with Fredericks transitioning to a desk job, it leaves the reader curious about his future endeavors and contributions.
Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent is not just a chronicle of crime and enforcement; it's a multifaceted story of dedication, family, and the complexities of battling a pervasive societal issue. It's a compelling read for those interested in true crime and the personal stories behind law enforcement careers, offering a unique blend of professional dedication and personal narrative.
The book is crafted from Fredericks's detailed notes and court documents, creating a compelling narrative. The inclusion of photographs enhances the reader's connection to the events, bringing a vivid and immediate quality to the storytelling. Fredericks demonstrates his skill as a writer, balancing engaging storytelling with attention to detail. His meticulous recounting of events, down to clothing and vehicles, immerses the reader in the scenes, allowing them to experience the action from his perspective.
What sets this book apart is its depth. It goes beyond being a mere recounting of drug busts. Fredericks paints a comprehensive picture of himself as a law enforcement officer and a family man deeply committed to his wife and son. His wife's portrayal as a strong, supportive partner adds a personal dimension to the narrative. The book touches on the broader impact of drugs on families and communities, adding a layer of social commentary. As the book concludes with Fredericks transitioning to a desk job, it leaves the reader curious about his future endeavors and contributions.
Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent is not just a chronicle of crime and enforcement; it's a multifaceted story of dedication, family, and the complexities of battling a pervasive societal issue. It's a compelling read for those interested in true crime and the personal stories behind law enforcement careers, offering a unique blend of professional dedication and personal narrative.
July 10, 2023
Mike’s DEA field career deserves to be told. He tells his story with humor and self deprecation which make his achievements stand on their own. The book is a quick read that highlights the amount of effort being invested in limiting the flow of illegal drugs entering our country. As the story unfolds Ginny is revealed as a hero and a saint.
Mike’s story telling style made me feel like I was sitting in a bar listening to him tell me about his exploits. Only the beer and tequila were missing. Maybe some discount coupons should be included.
His book ends as he enters a management role. A sequel? If anyone can make managing a bureaucracy interesting, it would be Mike.
Mike’s story telling style made me feel like I was sitting in a bar listening to him tell me about his exploits. Only the beer and tequila were missing. Maybe some discount coupons should be included.
His book ends as he enters a management role. A sequel? If anyone can make managing a bureaucracy interesting, it would be Mike.
December 15, 2023
Fantastic Book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is definitely a truth stranger than fiction book. The only things I didn't like about it were it left out when he retired and I would have loved to have heard his thoughts on Miami Vice. Despite that, I loved it and the intrigue throughout gave it James Bond vibes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is definitely a truth stranger than fiction book. The only things I didn't like about it were it left out when he retired and I would have loved to have heard his thoughts on Miami Vice. Despite that, I loved it and the intrigue throughout gave it James Bond vibes.
May 26, 2024
DEA Special Agent
This is the story of some of the career higjhlights of Mike Fredericks, who was a FEA agent. He describes working in Portland, Oregon, Spokane, Washington, El Paso, Texas, Bogota, Columbia and Lahore, Pakistan. This book was very intetesting and I enjoyed learning about the author's career with the DEA.
This is the story of some of the career higjhlights of Mike Fredericks, who was a FEA agent. He describes working in Portland, Oregon, Spokane, Washington, El Paso, Texas, Bogota, Columbia and Lahore, Pakistan. This book was very intetesting and I enjoyed learning about the author's career with the DEA.
October 6, 2025
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Goodreads. This was an entertaining biography of the author’s law enforcement exploits. It was interesting time capsule of the 70s and 80s in the war on drugs. I enjoyed this quick read and would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this time period or federal law enforcement.
October 23, 2025
Interesting read.
I really enjoyed this, and having photos was a real treat. Lots of non fiction books do not.
He traveled all over the World, as a DEA Special Agent.
Was able to get informants to assist him to be able to stop drugs being sent elsewhere.
I wish it would have had more US locales. As I have only spent time in Cancun. So, most of the places were not relevant to me.
I really enjoyed this, and having photos was a real treat. Lots of non fiction books do not.
He traveled all over the World, as a DEA Special Agent.
Was able to get informants to assist him to be able to stop drugs being sent elsewhere.
I wish it would have had more US locales. As I have only spent time in Cancun. So, most of the places were not relevant to me.
August 28, 2023
Fascinating
Mike's book is full of amazing information. His wife must be an amazing woman along with his son to endure all the hardships and long hours I'm sure Mike must've put in at work.
Mike's book is full of amazing information. His wife must be an amazing woman along with his son to endure all the hardships and long hours I'm sure Mike must've put in at work.
March 13, 2024
We are proud to announce that BUSTING DRUG DEALERS: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent by Mike Fredericks has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
November 25, 2023
Thriller
This is a fast paced and exciting book. I liked the way he told the stories and kept the action going in the book. I say this is a page turner that will entertain.
This is a fast paced and exciting book. I liked the way he told the stories and kept the action going in the book. I say this is a page turner that will entertain.
November 25, 2024
2024 BIBA Winner!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews