In this episode of Gangland Wire, I sit down with Keith Grounsell, a veteran lawman whose career spanned patrol, specialized units, and high-stakes undercover work with the DEA. Keith takes us inside the hidden world of narcotics investigations, sharing stories that reveal both the danger and the human toll of living a double life.

We talk about how Keith’s upbringing as the son of a Marine pushed him toward public service, and how his path eventually led him into the shadowy world of drug traffickers. He recalls the adrenaline of undercover drug deals, the razor’s-edge risks, and the constant challenge of protecting his cover while keeping his integrity as a cop intact.

Keith also reflects on the strain this life put on his family and the psychological pressure of staying in character for months at a time. His advice to new officers is candid and practical—emphasizing the need for physical fitness, community ties, and strong mental health to survive the demands of the job.

Our conversation widens to the broader impact of drug trafficking on crime and communities, and the need for law enforcement to adapt to ever-changing threats. Keith also shares his writing journey, a four-book series titled Narc’s Tale, which chronicles his undercover assignments and the lessons he carried forward.

This episode offers both gripping stories from the field and a rare inside look at the toll—and the nobility—of narcotics enforcement.
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0:04 Welcome to Gangland Wire
1:07 Becoming a Police Officer
3:33 Life as an Undercover Agent
6:08 Tales from the Trenches
8:41 The Depths of Undercover Work
12:39 Surviving Dangerous Encounters
16:29 The Art of Blending In
21:06 The Challenges of Undercover Props
25:58 Navigating the Drug Underworld
28:14 Building Trust in Dangerous Situations
33:58 The High Stakes of Undercover Operations
36:58 Major Drug Busts in Kansas
42:08 Lessons from the Cartel
45:27 Advice for Young Law Enforcement
48:29 Writing and Reflection in Law Enforcement

[0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers, good to be back here in the studio at Gangland

[0:02] Wire. This is Gary Jenkins. I am a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Detective, as most of you know, because I've got a lot of regular listeners. And those that don't know, that's who I am. And I have another copper here with me today. I've got Keith Grounsel. Keith, welcome. Hey, Gary. Thanks for having me on the show. I'll tell you what, Keith. I love talking to and interviewing,