Detective Anthony Berke
ValorAward – For displaying extraordinary courage in an extremely hazardous situation.
Detective Anthony Berke, while assigned to the DEA, initiated an investigation into a Mexican based Drug Trafficking Organization, which was responsible for the importation and distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and heroin throughout the United States.
On March 24, 2021, Detective Berke was the Team Leader and was able to negotiate the purchase of a kilogram of fentanyl. Team members subsequently observed the suspect vehicle and were able to confirm the presence of a large quantity of narcotics.
Detective Berke gave the command to move in and make the arrest but as members of the DEA approached the vehicle and identified themselves, the suspect quickly put the vehicle in reverse. The vehicle raced toward them at a high rate of speed as the suspect attempted to evade apprehension. The vehicle struck Detective Berke resulting in him firing upon suspect multiple times stopping the threat.
The target of the investigation along with his accomplice were ultimately arrested and charged with multiple federal drug trafficking offenses.
Detective Berke is to commended for his display of courage, resiliency and bravery, during the course of this extremely hazardous and dangerous situation.