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DEA asks watchdog to investigate claims that agents permitted fentanyl to hit the streets
By Jim Mustian, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 25, 2026
· 3 min read
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday asked the U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog to investigate a whistleblower's claims that DEA agents permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico.The request came days after an Associated Press ...
Key takeaway The request came days after an Associated Press investigation found agents repeatedly monitored — but did not seize — major shipments of the synthetic opioid in a bid to build bigger criminal cases between 2023 and 2025.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The DEA's request for an investigation into allegations that agents allowed fentanyl to hit the streets of New Mexico has significant implications for San Antonio . As a city in a state bordering New Mexico, San Antonio is not immune to the fentanyl epidemic that has ravaged its neighboring state. The fact that DEA agents may have permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to circulate in New Mexico raises concerns about the potential for similar situations in Texas. San Antonio's proximity to the border and its history of struggling with opioid addiction make it a vulnerable city to the effects of fentanyl. The investigation's findings will be closely watched in San Antonio, where community leaders and law enforcement officials will be looking for assurances that similar strategies are not being employed in their city. The DEA's commitment to implementing improvements, if necessary, will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of San Antonio's communities.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The federal Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday asked the U.S. Justice Department’s internal watchdog to investigate a whistleblower's claims that DEA agents permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico.The request came days after an Associated Press ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Mustian, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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