Story perspectives

New Mexico AG Probes DEA “Walk” Fentanyl Watch Tactic

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Don Berthiaume announced a review of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) “walk” tactic.
The review will examine DEA wiretap investigations agents allegedly let fentanyl shipments circulate.
David Howell and other whistleblowers say agents watched but did not seize about 74,000 fentanyl pills in Albuquerque and roughly 350,000 pills identified in a 2024 wiretap.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez opened a probe and warned he will sue Justice Department for withheld records.

History

Historical Context

By 1995 the DEA was ending Operation Snowcap, a 1987-1995 counter-narcotics campaign that seized 53 metric tons of cocaine and shifted trafficking to Mexican cartels. A 1995 heroin seizure that year prompted congressional hearings on enforcement tactics, and today DEA official Don Berthiaume’s review of the “walk” practice could trigger New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez’s lawsuit for record disclosure.

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Story summary

Don Berthiaume announced a review of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) “walk” tactic.
The review will examine DEA wiretap investigations agents allegedly let fentanyl shipments circulate.
David Howell and other whistleblowers say agents watched but did not seize about 74,000 fentanyl pills in Albuquerque and roughly 350,000 pills identified in a 2024 wiretap.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez opened a probe and warned he will sue Justice Department for withheld records.

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