Episode 90 retired DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dante Sorianello

Interview with retired DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dante Sorianello

Years of Service: 1987-2022

In 1987, Dante was hired by the DEA. After graduating from the DEA Academy, Dante was assigned to the San Diego office where he investigated clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, money laundering including the Green Ice initiative, and was assigned to the gang task force.

Dante was deployed to South America where he served under Operation Snowcap destroying cocaine laboratories and clandestine airstrips.

During his career, Dante was assigned Tuscon, AZ, Bogata, Colombia, Midland and San Antonio, Texas as well as DEA Headquarters. Dante was also part of the DEA Jungle Group where he focused on an investigation into the FARC also known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Dante Sorianello's Career
01:41 Early Life and Influences
06:13 College Years and Career Decisions
08:07 Joining the DEA
11:54 DEA Academy Experience
14:09 First Assignments and Challenges
27:33 Clandestine Lab Investigations
30:46 Safety Measures and Training
35:21 Triple Neck Scientific Case
37:34 Introduction to SNOWCAP
39:30 SNOWCAP Training and Certification
41:11 First SNOWCAP Deployments
42:07 Challenges and Successes in Bolivia
42:39 Further Deployments and Roles
43:50 Gunfights and Safety Concerns
44:07 Impact and Controversies of SNOWCAP
45:21 Maturity and Reflections
45:30 Firefights with Sendero Luminoso
46:04 DEA's Strategic Shift Post-1994 Plane Crash
47:01 Challenges of In-Country Missions
47:37 Foreign Governments' Attitudes Towards DEA
48:53 Transition to Gang Task Force
49:18 The Green Ice Case
50:09 Undercover Operations in San Diego
52:53 Learning Spanish and Its Impact
53:45 San Diego Gang Task Force in the 90s
58:53 Promotion to Tucson
01:00:30 Leadership Challenges in Tucson
01:08:07 DEA Operations in Bogota
01:10:29 DEA's Reputation in Colombia
01:14:13 DEA Jungle Group and FARC
01:16:16 Building a Case Against FARC
01:24:18 Impact of FARC Indictments
01:25:33 Transition to Midland, Texas
01:26:49 Journey to Midland, Texas
01:27:27 Transition to a New Role
01:27:54 Challenges of Midland Office
01:28:17 Settling in Midland
01:28:37 Building a Strong Team
01:29:04 Law Enforcement in the Permian Basin
01:29:40 Achievements and Recognition
01:30:41 Leadership and Management Style
01:32:19 Promotions and Career Decisions
01:33:42 San Antonio Assignment
00:36 Reflecting on Career Roles
01:36:15 Engagement and Oversight
01:37:22 Retirement and New Ventures
01:38:27 Family Impact of Law Enforcement
01:39:44 Views on Society and Law Enforcement
01:40:56 Patriotism and Generational Differences
01:42:49 Optimism for the Future