DEA Seeks Independent Review of 2023-2025 Fentanyl Tactics as New Mexico Urges Criminal Probe
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 26
DEA Seeks Independent Review of 2023-2025 Fentanyl Tactics as New Mexico Urges Criminal Probe
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 26
Summary
Terrance C. Cole asked the Justice Department’s inspector general on Thursday to independently review DEA operations after reports said agents let fentanyl pills reach New Mexico streets from 2023 to 2025.
The request followed a whistle-blower complaint alleging federal agents and prosecutors allowed distribution to continue while building larger cases against high-level smugglers.
Michelle Lujan Grisham said New Mexico’s attorney general should investigate and prosecute anyone who broke state law, calling the alleged decisions reckless and deadly.
The DEA had initially defended the tactics as lawful and reasonable, while Cole said the review was meant to bolster public trust rather than signal doubt in agency personnel.