Story perspectives

NM Governor Orders AG Probe of DEA Fentanyl Operations

6/26/2026

Summary

Lujan Grisham Calls Probe

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked Attorney General Raúl Torrez on June 25, 2026 to investigate DEA fentanyl actions after reports of pill deliveries.
Whistleblower David Howell said over 300,000 pills entered New Mexico by September 2024, and overdose deaths rose 21% from Jan 2025 to Jan 2026, a national high.
The DEA denied wrongdoing, saying its wiretap strategy followed DOJ guidance, while Administrator Terry Cole said the agency is now more focused on the fentanyl crisis.

Summary

Moreno Calls Inquiry

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) will press the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine DEA-controlled delivery deaths.
Empower Oversight, representing DEA agent David Howell, asked the Justice Department’s Inspector General to investigate.
Michael Glownia, whose daughter died of fentanyl, said the DEA’s actions breach its “One Pill Can Kill” pledge.
Former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez said limited resources forced his office to prioritize high-level traffickers over small shipments.

History

Historical Context

U.S. drug enforcement agencies have recently mounted anti-opioid campaigns, reflecting a broader pattern of authorities launching high-visibility operations, such as Israel’s 14 November 2012 Operation Pillar of Defence, which responded to over 100 rockets in a single day. Both illustrate how large-scale actions are used to shape policy and public attention.

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Lujan Grisham Calls Probe

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked Attorney General Raúl Torrez on June 25, 2026 to investigate DEA fentanyl actions after reports of pill deliveries.
Whistleblower David Howell said over 300,000 pills entered New Mexico by September 2024, and overdose deaths rose 21% from Jan 2025 to Jan 2026, a national high.
The DEA denied wrongdoing, saying its wiretap strategy followed DOJ guidance, while Administrator Terry Cole said the agency is now more focused on the fentanyl crisis.

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