News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2003

John B. Brown III Serves as Acting DEA Administrator
Former Administrator Hutchinson Starts New Post

Today, DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson was formally sworn-in as Undersecretary of Transportation and Border Security at the new Department of Homeland Security, and Deputy Administrator John B. Brown, III assumed the position of Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Mr. Brown, a career DEA agent, started out in Buffalo, New York, as a street agent for Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, DEA's predecessor agency. Since then, he has served DEA in a range of capacities including Senior Inspector, Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Intelligence Center and Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Division. Through his dedicated service to the DEA, Mr. Brown has earned the reputation of a sincere, hard-working, "agent's agent" and the agency is honored to welcome him as Acting Administrator.

Asa Hutchinson's distinguished leadership during his year and half at DEA has strengthened the agency and reinforced DEA's message. The employees of the Drug Enforcement Administration appreciate his leadership and wish him well as he assumes his new post. Mr. Hutchinson's selection to a leadership position within the new Department of Homeland Security is an honor to the DEA.