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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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· June 21, 2026
· 1 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 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...
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The DEA's decision to allow hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills to hit the streets of New Mexico has alarming implications for the San Francisco Bay Area. As a major urban hub, San Francisco is vulnerable to the same illicit drug trade that has devastated communities in New Mexico. The fact that the DEA permitted such large quantities of fentanyl to circulate, even as overdose deaths surged, raises questions about the agency's commitment to protecting public safety in cities like San Francisco. With the Bay Area's own struggles with opioid addiction and overdose, it is crucial to examine whether similar tactics have been employed in our region, and what measures are being taken to prevent the spread of this deadly synthetic opioid. The consequences of inaction or misguided strategies can be devastating, as evidenced by the spike in overdose deaths in New Mexico, and it is essential for local authorities to prioritize a proactive and effective approach to combating the fentanyl epidemic.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco 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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 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 21, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jim Mustian and Joshua Goodman | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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