New Mexico AG launches criminal probe of DEA over alleged fentanyl shipments

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a criminal investigation into the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after allegations that the agency knowingly allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach communities in New Mexico while pursuing larger criminal cases. The probe follows whistleblower DEA Special Agent David Howell’s claims that agents monitored, but did not seize, shipments between 2023 and 2025, potentially violating Justice Department guidelines. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham had earlier called for an inquiry, citing the state's high fentanyl‑overdose death rate and the impact on families.

The DEA initially denied the allegations, but later asked the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General to conduct an independent review. Torrez said the investigation will seek documents, consider criminal prosecution, civil litigation and possible reforms to prevent similar conduct in the future.