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Enrique Camarena Case Study

The Enrique Camarena case illustrates the principles of collecting and conserving trace evidence, however problematic, for forensic analysis. Specific circumstances surrounding this unusual case include the “willful obstruction of information and investigation by other agencies involved” (Malone) and the corruption within those agencies, as well as jurisdictional limitations and an overall considerably contaminated and compromised crime scene; all of which surmounted to a forensic nightmare for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other authorities directly involved in the case. Furthermore, these hindrances, which required the adoption of unconventional methods, were eventually overcome by the successful detection, collection and preservation techniques available for the limited evidence and subsequent limitations of various evidence available, to ensure accurate analysis of the trace evidence.

Following the apparent kidnapping of the DEA Special Agent (SA) Enrique Camarena’s on February 7th 1985, overwhelming pressure was being applied to speed up the investigation after unrewarding search efforts during February; which ultimately lead to a significant break in the case. This break was brought about by an alleged plan that was fabricated by Mexican drug traffickers (associated with the Guadalajara drug cartel) and certain Mexican law enforcement officials. Had this plan materialized, the DEA would have been informed of the whereabouts of SA Camarena and Captain Zavala and would have discovered their bodies buried at the Bravo drug gang’s ranch after an anonymous tip-off which would have prematurely concluded the investigation. However, the inability of the individuals paid to do the job did so inadequately and left the bodies by the side of the road near the Bravo ranch where they were later found by a witness who contacted local law enforcement officials. The DEA was subsequently advised of this discovery and from then on the case began to unravel....