The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico between 2023 and 2025, according to current and former DEA agents and government records. The DEA’s tactic of allowing drugs to go unseized in order to gather intelligence and build cases against major drug traffickers has been criticized by some agents, who argue that it puts public safety at risk.

Fentanyl Epidemic

The fentanyl epidemic has been a major concern in the United States, with overdose deaths surging over the past decade. The DEA has made ridding the streets of illicit fentanyl a top priority, but its methods have been questioned by some. The agency has used a tactic called “controlled deliveries,” where agents allow drugs to be delivered and then follow the supply chain to build a case against the traffickers.

However, some agents have expressed concerns that this tactic puts public safety at risk, particularly when it comes to fentanyl, which is highly lethal. The Justice Department has guidelines for agents in such circumstances, encouraging them to seize the opioid whenever “practicable.” Despite these guidelines, the DEA has allowed large quantities of fentanyl to reach communities, including in New Mexico, where overdose deaths have spiked.

Investigations and Criticisms

Investigations into the DEA’s handling of fentanyl have been ongoing, with some agents speaking out against the agency’s tactics. One DEA special agent, David Howell, filed a whistleblower complaint in 2023, alleging that the agency’s approach was putting public safety at risk. Howell stated that the DEA’s decision to allow fentanyl to hit the streets was a “gamble with public safety” that had potentially imperiled communities.

The DEA has defended its actions, stating that the investigative decisions were lawful and consistent with department guidance. However, critics argue that the agency’s approach has been too focused on building big cases against traffickers, rather than prioritizing public safety.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.