Justice Department watchdog to review DEA tactic that permitted deadly fentanyl to hit streets
Summary
The U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog is reviewing a DEA tactic that let fentanyl drugs reach the streets to catch bigger drug traffickers. This review comes after reports showed DEA agents watched but did not stop fentanyl shipments, raising public safety concerns.Key Facts
- The DEA used a strategy known as allowing drugs to “walk,” meaning they let fentanyl shipments continue to build larger cases against traffickers.
- The Justice Department’s inspector general announced the review shortly after being sworn in.
- DEA agents reportedly monitored major fentanyl deliveries in New Mexico from 2023 to 2025 but did not seize the drugs.
- A whistleblower, DEA Agent David Howell, claimed officials endangered the public by letting fentanyl reach communities.
- The White House last year labeled fentanyl a “weapon of mass destruction” because of its deadly effects.
- New Mexico authorities are investigating if DEA agents broke state laws by allowing fentanyl into Albuquerque.
- New Mexico’s Attorney General threatened to sue the Justice Department over denied records requests related to the case.
- The DEA has not yet responded publicly or allowed the whistleblower to be interviewed by state investigators.
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