Title: "Justice Department Reviewing DEA's Controversial 'Allowing Drugs to Walk' Tactic with Fentanyl Shipments
The U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog has initiated a review of a controversial tactic used by federal law enforcement to allow fentanyl to enter the streets in order to build stronger cases against drug traffickers. This review will focus on government policies and wiretap investigations conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where they may have been aware of fentanyl deliveries but chose not to intervene to protect larger prosecutions. This strategy, known as allowing drugs to "walk," has raised concerns about public safety and potential violations of Justice Department rules regarding the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
The decision to conduct this review follows an Associated Press investigation that revealed DEA agents monitored significant fentanyl shipments in New Mexico between 2023 and 2025 without taking action. The Inspector General of the Justice Department, Don Berthiaume, announced this review as one of his first official actions since taking office. DEA Administrator Terry Cole has requested a narrower inquiry by the inspector general to investigate the handling of a whistleblower complaint by Agent David Howell.
Agent Howell alleged that federal authorities allowed fentanyl to enter the community in New Mexico to build cases. An internal DEA report highlighted a specific incident where a fentanyl delivery of 74,000 pills in Albuquerque was observed but not seized. This occurred during a period of heightened concern over the opioid epidemic in the United States, with the DEA promoting awareness campaigns about the dangers of fentanyl.
The inspector general's review will focus on the Justice Department's actions in the past two years and may reveal whether similar incidents occurred in other cities. Agent Howell anticipates that the review will demonstrate that federal authorities put the public at risk through deliberate inaction. This review coincides with ongoing investigations in New Mexico to determine if DEA agents violated state law by allowing large quantities of fentanyl to reach the streets.
Attorney General Raúl Torrez of New Mexico has expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from the Justice Department in providing requested records related to the fentanyl shipments. Additional DEA whistleblowers have come forward, alleging similar instances where fentanyl deliveries were monitored but not intercepted by agents. These revelations have raised concerns about the DEA's handling of fentanyl trafficking and its impact on communities.
In conclusion, the review initiated by the Justice Department's Inspector General will shed light on the DEA's practices regarding fentanyl shipments and their implications for public safety. The investigation will provide insight into the decision-making processes within the DEA and the potential risks associated with allowing dangerous substances like fentanyl to circulate in communities.