The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to be distributed in New Mexico. This was part of an effort to build larger federal prosecutions. An Associated Press investigation uncovered this, backed by interviews and internal DEA records. Jim Mustian and AP journalist Joshua Goodman reviewed these records, learning from both current and former agents. A whistleblower accused the agency of compromising public safety and violating Department of Justice regulations.

The Whistleblower’s Revelation

Joshua Goodman first noticed the whistleblower complaint. The document was heavily redacted, obscuring details like the whistleblower’s identity and fentanyl quantities not seized. An unmasked letter—a mere ‘l’—hinted at the whistleblower’s name. Jim Mustian pursued this lead by contacting DEA agents with matching last names, ultimately connecting with the whistleblower, David Howell. Mustian then met Howell in New Mexico to gather firsthand information.

Concerns About Fentanyl

DEA traditionally allows drugs to ‘walk’ to apprehend larger dealers. Fentanyl’s potency makes this approach risky. The DEA has warned in the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign that even a minimal amount could be lethal. Investigations often highlight counterfeit pills from Mexican labs containing unknown fentanyl amounts. A significant incident involved 74,000 pills monitored by DEA agents at an Albuquerque mobile home park, which were not seized. Critics, like Howell, argue this equates to giving a pill to every person in a football stadium.

The Official Stance

Federal authorities defended such tactics, claiming it saves more lives. U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez in Albuquerque stated that these practices aim to catch bigger perpetrators. The DEA insisted on their decisions’ legality and alignment with Department guidance. Spokesperson Amanda Wozniak rejected claims of knowingly permitting fentanyl distribution.

Investigative Challenges

The story reveals a gap in public awareness regarding law enforcement operations. DEA agents exercise significant discretion, impacting public safety without comprehensive public knowledge. Trust in government actions becomes a recurring theme since details often remain confidential. Internal records and interviews with Howell exposed investigation complexities rarely seen.

Whistleblower Actions

David Howell, a 19-year DEA veteran, filed a formal whistleblower report with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). He provided DEA reports, emails, and messages showing instances of unseized transactions. OSC initially found a “substantial likelihood of wrongdoing,” asking the Justice Department to investigate. In 2024, the DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility deemed the DEA’s actions reasonable. Critics felt this conclusion overlooked whether DEA let large quantities of fentanyl reach the public.