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DEA Raids Guide (Version from Feb 20, 2026, 04:55 AM)

🚨 DEA Raids — How They Work

The DEA raid system triggers when your exposure gets too high. Here's everything you need to know to survive them.

💡 Only hideouts with a Save Station AND windows can be raided. Garages, the starting apartment villa, and windowless properties are immune.

What Triggers a Raid?

DEA raids are based on your 3-day average exposure level. When it crosses a threshold, the DEA has a chance to raid one of your eligible hideouts.

FactorDetail
Trigger3-day average exposure exceeds threshold
TargetRandom eligible hideout (save station + windows)
WarningBrief countdown timer before agents breach
FlashbangsDEA uses flashbang grenades on entry

During a Raid

  1. A countdown timer appears — the DEA is coming
  2. Agents breach with flashbangs (screen blur + disorientation)
  3. Grab your drugs! — Pick up as much product as you can carry
  4. Find a window with an escape route icon
  5. Escape through the window before they catch you
🚨 Anything left behind in the hideout during a raid is confiscated permanently. Keep your main stash in raid-immune locations.

Raid-Immune Properties

These hideout types cannot be raided:

Property TypeWhy ImmuneExamples
GaragesNo save station / no windowsOldtown Garage, Deadtown Garages, Stink Storage
Starting ApartmentProtected by game designMain Apartment
Windowless hideoutsNo escape route = no raidSome warehouse variants

Anti-Raid Strategy

StrategyDescription
Use garages as main stashStore bulk drugs in raid-immune garages
Keep hideouts lightOnly keep what you need for immediate sales
Sell at night30% less exposure per sale (0.7× multiplier)
Rotate areasSpread sales across areas to keep exposure low
Monitor exposurePhone shows current exposure levels

DEA System Components (Datamined)

The raid system consists of these internal components:

ComponentFunction
deaRaidManagerControls raid trigger logic and timing
deaRaidCarSpawnPointWhere DEA vehicles appear during raids
raidPolicemanSpawnAgent spawn positions inside hideout
deaFlashBangFlashbang grenade effect on player
deaRaidWindowEscapeWindow escape route system
deaRaidCounterWidgetCountdown timer UI
deaBustedScreenWidgetGame over screen if caught
raidCameraCamera effect during raid sequences