Did US drug agents allow lethal fentanyl to hit New Mexico’s streets?

An Associated Press report, based on whistleblower testimony from a former DEA agent, alleges that DEA agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills into Albuquerque, New Mexico, in hopes of securing larger drug-trafficking busts. The whistleblower claims agents "sat back and watched" drug deliveries, even with detailed intelligence, leading to potential overdose deaths in a community already struggling with the opioid crisis. The DEA has denied these allegations, stating that investigations were court-authorized and coordinated with US attorneys to prevent public harm. However, the agency has requested an internal investigation into the complaint, and New Mexico's attorney general has launched a formal investigation into the claims.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has requested the Justice Department's internal watchdog to investigate claims that DEA agents allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to enter New Mexico between 2023 and 2025. This action follows an Associated Press investigation revealing that agents monitored, but did not seize, major fentanyl shipments to build larger cases. DEA administrator Terry Cole stated the probe is necessary due to significant public attention and questions about operational decisions and oversight. Current and former agents described the strategy, known as letting drugs "walk," as a gamble with public safety. The DEA maintains that descriptions of knowingly permitting fentanyl to reach communities are false. New Mexico's governor has also asked the state's attorney general to investigate the agency's actions for potential violations of state law.