Former DEA Official Accused of Cartel Involvement

On Friday, federal prosecutors revealed that a former high-ranking official from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is under investigation for allegedly aiding a Mexican cartel in distributing cocaine throughout the United States and laundering significant sums of money for them.

According to the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, Paul Campo, who ascended to the role of deputy director of the Financial Services Division before retiring in 2016, has, in essence, “betrayed the mission he was entrusted with” during his lengthy 25-year career.

Campo, 61, and his co-conspirator Robert Sensi, 75, face multiple charges including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, conspiracy to distribute and possess drugs, conspiracy to launder money, and conspiracy to provide support to a cartel.

The two men were arrested on Thursday and appeared in court on Friday.

“By participating in this scheme, Mr. Campo betrayed the mission of his 25-year career with the DEA,” stated Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He emphasized the need to dismantle the violent and corrupt Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), praising the DEA’s efforts to pursue the organization and those associated with it.

Records indicate that Campo and Sensi began collaborating with undercover agents posing as members of CJNG in late 2024. Allegedly, Sensi, from Florida, assured these agents that Campo would be an asset due to his access to sensitive DEA information regarding sources and investigations.

Federal authorities claim that the two advised these undercover agents on matters like fentanyl production and acquiring commercial drones and military-grade weapons.

They reportedly highlighted Campo’s law enforcement background and his expertise in financial investigations, which made them seem credible in their dealings.

Prosecutors further allege that Campo and Sensi expressed willingness to launder up to $12 million from CJNG drug sales and had already laundered $750,000 into virtual currency. Additionally, they facilitated a drug transaction involving 200 kilograms of cocaine, which brought in approximately $5 million, with the understanding that they would receive a share of the profits.

If found guilty on the drug-terrorism charges, both men face the possibility of life imprisonment.