DOJ Watchdog Reviews DEA Tactic Allowing Fentanyl Deliveries
2 hours ago
The Justice Department’s internal watchdog is launching a review of a controversial DEA investigative tactic that allegedly allowed fentanyl shipments to reach communities while federal agents worked to build larger cases against drug traffickers.
The review will examine Justice Department policies and wiretap investigations in which Drug Enforcement Administration agents may have learned about fentanyl deliveries in advance but chose not to intervene to avoid jeopardizing broader investigations.
The scrutiny follows an Associated Press investigation that found DEA agents repeatedly monitored but did not seize major fentanyl shipments in New Mexico between 2023 and 2025. An internal DEA report reviewed by AP detailed one case in which agents watched a delivery of 74,000 fentanyl pills at an Albuquerque mobile home park without intercepting the drugs.
The investigative strategy, sometimes referred to as allowing drugs to “walk,” has drawn criticism from current and former agents who argue it put the public at risk. DEA whistleblower David Howell has alleged federal authorities knowingly allowed dangerous drugs into New Mexico communities while pursuing higher-level traffickers.
Justice Department Inspector General Don Berthiaume says the review will examine the department’s actions over the past two years and could determine whether similar tactics were used in other cities.
The review comes as New Mexico authorities conduct a separate criminal investigation into whether DEA agents violated state law by allowing fentanyl shipments to reach the streets.
DEA Administrator Terry Cole previously requested an outside review following the allegations, saying the inquiry should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in DEA personnel but could identify areas where the agency’s practices need improvement.
The review will examine Justice Department policies and wiretap investigations in which Drug Enforcement Administration agents may have learned about fentanyl deliveries in advance but chose not to intervene to avoid jeopardizing broader investigations.
The scrutiny follows an Associated Press investigation that found DEA agents repeatedly monitored but did not seize major fentanyl shipments in New Mexico between 2023 and 2025. An internal DEA report reviewed by AP detailed one case in which agents watched a delivery of 74,000 fentanyl pills at an Albuquerque mobile home park without intercepting the drugs.
The investigative strategy, sometimes referred to as allowing drugs to “walk,” has drawn criticism from current and former agents who argue it put the public at risk. DEA whistleblower David Howell has alleged federal authorities knowingly allowed dangerous drugs into New Mexico communities while pursuing higher-level traffickers.
Justice Department Inspector General Don Berthiaume says the review will examine the department’s actions over the past two years and could determine whether similar tactics were used in other cities.
The review comes as New Mexico authorities conduct a separate criminal investigation into whether DEA agents violated state law by allowing fentanyl shipments to reach the streets.
DEA Administrator Terry Cole previously requested an outside review following the allegations, saying the inquiry should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in DEA personnel but could identify areas where the agency’s practices need improvement.
