local
DEA allowed staggering amounts of fentanyl to hit streets and took no action, records show
By Jim Mustian and Joshua Goodman | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· June 22, 2026
· 9 min read
Even as it battled the deadliest drug epidemic in American history, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico between 2023 and 2025, according to three current and former DEA agents and government records reviewed b...
Key takeaway “We poisoned our community to make cases,” DEA Special Agent David Howell told AP in a series of interviews in New Mexico.
Why this matters in The Trophy Club
The DEA's strategy of allowing fentanyl to hit the streets in New Mexico has significant implications for communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Trophy Club . As part of the larger regional landscape, Trophy Club residents may be affected by the ripple effects of the fentanyl epidemic, which has already shown devastating consequences in neighboring states. The fact that overdose deaths nationwide fell 14% last year, but New Mexico saw a 21% spike, suggests that the epidemic's impact can vary greatly by region. Given the proximity of Trophy Club to major transportation hubs and the interconnectedness of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it is crucial for local law enforcement and public health officials to be vigilant and proactive in addressing the potential spread of fentanyl in their community. The DEA's tactics and their consequences in New Mexico serve as a warning for local authorities to prioritize public safety and develop effective strategies to combat the fentanyl epidemic.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Even as it battled the deadliest drug epidemic in American history, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration permitted hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico between 2023 and 2025, according to three current and former DEA agents and government records reviewed b...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Mustian and Joshua Goodman | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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