Samuel M. Candelaria is a retired 22-year veteran police officer of the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He worked narcotic investigations for 17 years, working in an undercover capacity for 6 years.  He worked drug interdiction assigned to the Albuquerque Drug Enforcement Administration’s Interdiction Detail for 11 years.  The detail focused on all forms of public transportation, to include airport, bus, and train interdiction and also hotel and parcel interdiction.  The detail specialized in the Amtrak passenger train system.  During his career, Candelaria was selected the Albuquerque Police Department’s Detective of the year twice; in 1989 and in 2000.   He was the recipient of the INIA’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award for 2001.  The interdiction detail to which Candelaria was assigned was also selected the HIDTA Interdiction Detail of the Year for 2001 by Asa Hutchinson, Administrator for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Samuel M. Candelaria holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix and a Masters of Science in the Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix.  Samuel M. Candelaria a nationally recognized expert, has instructed nationally and internationally with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Jetway Program and with the International Narcotics Interdiction Association (INIA).  He has also instructed State and Federal law enforcement officers throughout the country on consensual encounter techniques and domestic drug interdiction programs.

Samuel M. Candelaria co-author of the book Drug Interdiction: Partnerships, Legal Principles and Investigative Technologies for Law Enforcement (CRC Press 2003). He has been published in several law enforcement publications to include Law and Order magazine and Police and Security News.

One reader of Drug Interdiction: Partnerships, Legal Principles, and Investigative Methodologies for Law Enforcement said, “What a book. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Candelaria at a class he taught. The class was great and so is the book. If you are a law enforcement officer and are interested in drug interdiction, than your library would not be complete without this book. Great techniques to study and master. If you get the chance to attend one of the authors classes, don't pass it up.”

According to the book description of Drug Interdiction: Partnerships, Legal Principles, and Investigative Methodologies for Law Enforcement, “Written by seasoned drug enforcement officials, this book provides a "cop's point of view" of domestic drug interdiction. It trains the reader to interview suspected drug couriers, ascertain whether an investigation is warranted, and employ an entire arsenal of investigative tools, including the drug canine. It also shows how to partner with the business community to combat the drug dilemma. Throughout the book, the authors discuss legal aspects and pertinent case law to ensure that the narcotics investigator stays within the law. Its simple but comprehensive presentation of proven investigation methodologies will aid law enforcement officers and investigators in their effort to stop narcotics trade within the United States.”

About the Albuquerque Police Department

The Albuquerque Police Department is a full service law enforcement agency that employees over 1500 sworn and civilian personnel.   According to the Albuquerque Police Department, “With an authorized sworn strength of 1100 officers, the APD responds to over 42,000 calls for service on a monthly basis.  We are proud of the way in which we interact with the community in our continuing collaborative problem solving efforts. The Albuquerque Police Department divides the city into five geographical areas called area commands. Each area command is managed by a commander and staffed with between 82 and 119 officers, depending on size of the area command and level of calls for service.”