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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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Pearland
The investigation into the DEA's handling of fentanyl shipments has significant implications for communities like Pearland , which is part of the larger Houston area that has been affected by the opioid epidemic. As the DEA's "One Pill Can Kill" campaign has emphasized, even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal, and the decision to allow hundreds of thousands of pills to reach the streets of Albuquerque raises questions about the agency's priorities and tactics. The fact that New Mexico already ranks among the states hardest hit by fentanyl overdose deaths is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of this crisis, and Pearland residents should be aware of the potential risks and demand accountability from law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched in Texas, where local authorities have been working to combat the opioid epidemic and prevent overdose deaths.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Mustian, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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