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New Mexico opens criminal probe of DEA after agents allowed fentanyl shipments to hit streets
By Jim Mustian, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
New Mexico's attorney general on Friday opened a criminal investigation to determine whether U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents broke state law by allowing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque. The extraordinary inquiry comes less than a week after ...
Key takeaway The extraordinary inquiry comes less than a week after The Associated Press reported that DEA agents repeatedly monitored — but did not seize — 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 investigation into the DEA's handling of fentanyl shipments has significant implications for San Antonio , given the city's proximity to the border and its own struggles with the opioid epidemic. As a major metropolitan area, San Antonio is vulnerable to the same trafficking organizations that operate in New Mexico, and the potential for fentanyl to flow into the city is a pressing concern. The fact that the DEA allowed hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque raises questions about the agency's tactics and whether similar strategies have been employed in Texas. San Antonio residents will be watching closely as the investigation unfolds, seeking answers about the DEA's conduct and its impact on public safety in the region. The city's own efforts to combat the opioid crisis, including public awareness campaigns and law enforcement initiatives, may need to be reevaluated in light of the allegations against the DEA.
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 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? New Mexico's attorney general on Friday opened a criminal investigation to determine whether U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents broke state law by allowing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque. The extraordinary inquiry comes less than a week after ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 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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