New Mexico Launches Probe Into DEA Fentanyl Strategy

New Mexico officials and federal watchdogs are investigating the Drug Enforcement Administration after reports revealed agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to enter the state between 2023 and 2025. The strategy, described by agents as letting drugs walk, involved monitoring shipments—including a 2023 delivery of 74,000 pills to an Albuquerque mobile home park—without seizing them to build larger cases against high-ranking traffickers.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham condemned the tactics as reckless and dangerous, noting a 21% increase in state overdose deaths last year. In response, she declared a public health emergency, deployed the National Guard to Albuquerque and Española, and requested a criminal probe. Attorney General Raúl Torrez launched a formal investigation on June 26 to determine if federal agents violated state law, though he noted the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause creates legal barriers to prosecuting federal employees.

DEA Administrator Terrance Cole requested an independent review by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General to address the whistleblower claims filed by agent David Howell. While the DEA maintains its actions were lawful and consistent with Department guidance, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller accused the agency of using the city as collateral damage. Former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez defended the policy, citing limited resources and a previous Office of Special Counsel finding in September 2024 that no violations occurred.