From the Publisher

Author Mike Fredericks

Mike Fredericks worked as a sky marshal, US Customs Special Agent, and DEA Special Agent in overseas assignments in Colombia, Pakistan, the Caribbean, and South Asia, busting drug traffickers and enforcing US drug laws. After his retirement, and following the 9/11 attacks, he trained international airline pilots on counterterrorism and vital aviation security procedures. During his time in Colombia with DEA, Fredericks investigated the infamous Medellin cocaine cartel, pursuing notorious traffickers Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder, and raiding jungle cocaine laboratories with the Colombian National Police. Later, his award-winning team gained recognition for record-breaking financial seizures while disrupting drug trafficking organizations in the Caribbean. He then spent over six years in charge of DEA operations in South Asia, before heading DEA’s chemical investigations. Now, he's recounting many of his real-life adventures in his new book Busting Drug Dealers.

American Writing Awards Finalist

Busting Drug Dealers is a 2023 American Writing Awards Finalist in five (5) categories: Autobiography/Memoir, Best Cover Design (Nonfiction), New (Debut) Nonfiction, Nonfiction Narrative, and True Crime (Nonfiction).

Reader Views 5-Star Review

“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. 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.” – Reader Views

Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

“What sets this memoir apart is its authenticity. Fredericks draws from his extensive diaries and court documents, providing an unvarnished look at the challenges and risks faced by law enforcement officers in the drug war…both compelling and insightful, shedding light on the complexities of the illicit trade and the dedication required to combat it…Busting Drug Dealers is a must-read…” – Readers’ Favorite

An Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent is included in the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG

Firebird Book Award Winner

Firebird 2023 Award for 1st Place in New Nonfiction (First Time Published) category, and 2nd Place in Memoir category.

Literary Titan Award & 5-Star Review

“What sets this book apart is its depth. Busting Drug Dealers 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…offering a unique blend of professional dedication and personal narrative.” - Literary Titan

Reader Views 2023-24 Silver Award

Reader Views 2023-24 literary contest Silver Award in the nonfiction True Crime category.

BooksShelf 2023 New Release Winner

BooksShelf New Release 1st Place Award Winner to Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent

2024 Eric Hoffer (Memoir) Category Book Award Finalist

In May, 2024, Busting Drug Dealers: Diaries of a DEA Special Agent received the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award as a (Memoir) Category Finalist