New Mexico’s attorney general recently announced a serious investigation into the actions of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. This inquiry comes after reports revealed that DEA agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to circulate on the streets of Albuquerque without seizing them, aiming to build larger criminal cases.
The investigation began shortly after The Associated Press reported that this strategy, used between 2023 and 2025, has raised significant concerns about public safety. Current and former DEA agents, including whistleblower David Howell, have pointed out that this tactic could have violated U.S. Justice Department rules designed to protect the public.
The fentanyl crisis is particularly dire, with New Mexico being one of the states hardest hit by drug overdose deaths. This situation is alarming, especially as the DEA has been running a public awareness campaign titled “One Pill Can Kill,” which warns that even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be deadly.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who is a Democrat, emphasized that federal agents are not above the law, but they do have significant legal protections when performing their duties. He announced that he would be demanding documents and information about the DEA’s conduct, both in New Mexico and nationwide, to see if this behavior is part of a larger trend of negligence.
Torrez stated, “If those allegations are accurate, the consequences for New Mexicans were not abstract. They were fatal.” He expressed the need for accountability, especially for families who have lost loved ones to this crisis.
The DEA initially denied Howell’s allegations in a statement but later requested an independent investigation from the Justice Department’s watchdog. The Justice Department responded by saying they are open to working with the state leaders to combat the fentanyl crisis and will implement changes if necessary.
In the wake of these events, many local and state leaders in New Mexico have expressed outrage. However, Paul E. Martin, the founder of United Against Fentanyl, a nonprofit that supports families affected by the epidemic, highlighted a different perspective. He noted, “Law enforcement makes mistakes, but the DEA are the men and women putting their lives on the line. Their entire business is the removal of illegal and toxic drugs from our streets.”
This ongoing investigation is crucial not only for understanding the DEA’s actions but also for ensuring the safety of communities affected by the fentanyl crisis. The outcome will likely have significant implications for law enforcement practices and public safety in New Mexico and beyond.
