Staggering amounts of fentanyl hit streets as the DEA watched and took no action, records show
Summary
Between 2023 and 2025, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed large amounts of fentanyl pills to reach New Mexico streets while building larger criminal cases against drug traffickers. This approach, aimed at catching major dealers, raised concerns about public safety as fentanyl is extremely deadly and overdose deaths in New Mexico increased during that time.Key Facts
- The DEA monitored many shipments of fentanyl pills but often did not seize them.
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid so powerful that only a small amount can cause death.
- The White House labeled fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” in 2023.
- DEA agents used the tactic of letting drugs pass to build bigger cases against traffickers.
- Some agents and experts say this strategy risked public safety and may have broken Justice Department rules.
- New Mexico saw a 21% increase in overdose deaths while the rest of the U.S. saw a 14% decrease.
- U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez stated that focusing on large drug organizations can ultimately save more lives.
- The DEA said its actions were lawful and made decisions based on the situation.
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