Justice Department watchdog to review DEA tactic that permitted deadly fentanyl to hit streets

The U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog will review a controversial tactic in which federal law enforcement allowed fentanyl to reach the streets to strengthen cases against drug traffickers. This review comes after an Associated Press investigation discovered that DEA agents monitored but did not seize major fentanyl shipments in New Mexico from 2023 to 2025.

The tactic, known as "allowing drugs to 'walk'," is seen as risky for public safety and potentially illegal under Justice Department rules aimed at protecting communities from the synthetic opioid. DEA Administrator Terry Cole had requested a narrower inquiry following the AP's reporting, which included a review of his agency's handling of a whistleblower complaint.

The review will examine government policies and wiretap investigations where DEA learned of fentanyl deliveries before they occurred but chose not to intervene to avoid jeopardizing larger prosecutions. One DEA agent, David Howell, has accused federal authorities of endangering the public through "willful inaction." The review will focus on Justice Department actions over the past two years and could determine if similar drug shipments occurred in other cities.