Francis M. "Bud" Mullen, Jr. (born 14 December 1934 in New London, Connecticut) is a former Executive Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and former Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
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Mullen began his life in New London, Connecticut, where after graduating from Central Connecticut State College (B.S. 1962) he served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He became a police officer in New London, before being appointed as a FBI Special Agent in 1962.
In June 1981, Mullen was designated Acting Administrator of the DEA. However, it was not until 21 January 1982 that President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to nominate Mullen as DEA Administrator, succeeding Peter Bensinger.[1] Mullen served in an acting capacity from July 1981 until he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on 30 September 1983 and sworn in as the DEA's third Administrator on 10 November 1983. He served until 1 March 1985.
Mullen began his term at a time when the tremendous impact of drug abuse was being felt across the United States. The problem was especially acute in southern Florida, where unprecedented levels of drug-related violence accompanied the cocaine transit routes of the Colombian cartels. It was clear to the Reagan Administration that U.S. drug fighting agencies needed help. During Mullen's service at the DEA, the number of DEA Special Agents jumped from 1,941 in 1980 to 2,234 in 1985. This also saw the budget jump from $206.6 million in 1980 to $362.4 million in 1985. [2] Mullen stressed multi-agency cooperation with other members of the enforcement and intelligence communities. He made this policy official in a July 14 memo to DEA employees: "On policy, strategy and tactical levels, your cooperation with other agencies in all current and future DEA efforts is hereby ordered."
After retiring from DEA on 1 March 1985, Mullen became the director of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Commission in Uncasville, Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun Casino. He has since retired from that position.
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| Preceded by Peter Bensinger |
Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration 1981–1985 |
Succeeded by John C. Lawn |