WASHINGTON — A few names have surfaced as potential candidates to fill the number two spot at the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sources say the names that have popped up include Thomas M. Harrigan, chief of operations, Anthony Placido,chief of intelligence, and John P. Gilbride, head of the N.Y. DEA.
The number two spot was held by Michele Leonhart, who has been nominated by President Obama for the top spot. She has yet to be confirmed.
The number two spot is also a presidential appointment and must be approved by the Senate.
The DEA declined comment on Wednesday.
Harrigan, who joined the DEA in 1987, heads up all domestic and foreign offices as well the Special Operations Division, the Aviation Division, and the Office of Diversion Control. He was appointed to the post in 2008.
Placido, who joined the DEA in 1980, heads up the DEA’s intelligence program.
Gilbride was appointed head of the N.Y. DEA in 2005. Prior to that, he headed up the Detroit office.
