Robert Patterson, the acting head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will reportedly retire in two weeks, citing the challenges of running the agency on an acting basis.

The Washington Post reported that Patterson informed employees of his decision via email on Monday. He has served as the DEA’s acting director since October.

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Patterson told employees that it became “increasingly challenging” to “decide and address priorities for years into the future,” according to an email reviewed by the Post.

Patterson, a former principal deputy administrator for the DEA, was tapped to replace former director Chuck Rosenberg when he stepped down.

Patterson has worked in the DEA for roughly 30 years, beginning his career in the agency's New York division in 1988.