Story perspectives

Justice Department Orders Review of DEA Fentanyl Case Practices

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Justice Department announced a review of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s practice of allowing fentanyl shipments to proceed to build larger cases.
Inspector General Don Berthiaume said the review will examine Justice Department actions and could reveal DEA shipments in other cities.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez threatened to sue the Justice Department after it refused records and said the DEA has not allowed whistleblower David Howell to be interviewed.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. Justice Department announced a review of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s practice of allowing fentanyl shipments to proceed to build larger cases.
Inspector General Don Berthiaume said the review will examine Justice Department actions and could reveal DEA shipments in other cities.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez threatened to sue the Justice Department after it refused records and said the DEA has not allowed whistleblower David Howell to be interviewed.