SAN FRANCISCO — As synthetic drugs continue to evolve and threaten American lives, DEA chemists and forensic science professionals play an essential role in helping the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration identify emerging threats, connect evidence to investigations, and provide timely information that can save lives. From analyzing suspected fentanyl and...

FRESNO, Calif. — Three individuals were charged today following a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Terra Bella, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris announced. Jose Diarte-Perez, 46, and Carlos Beltran-Ochoa, 27, both from Mexico and illegally...

NEWARK, N.J. – Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Field Division, Towanda R. Thorne-James, and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Robert Frazier, announced two men, including a Mexican national, were arraigned after being indicted for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy...

SAN FRANCISCO- In June, DEA San Francisco Field Division and detectives with Marin County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU), began a narcotics investigation into Ian Howerton, 31, of San Francisco. During the investigation, undercover detectives conducted controlled purchases which included the sale of Cocaine and Ketamine from Howerton in...

EL PASO - A Mexican national, Luis Carlos Davalos-Lopez, 29, pleaded guilty today in El Paso, Texas, to conspiracy to bring in aliens to the United States. According to court documents, Davalos-Lopez conspired with others to smuggle migrants through an underground tunnel from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas...

NEWARK, N.J. - Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's New Jersey Field Division Towanda R. Thorne-James, New York City's Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, and Port Authority...

NEWARK, N.J. – Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Jersey Field Division Towanda R. Thorne-James and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Robert Frazer announced a New York woman was convicted by a federal jury yesterday for offenses related to her trafficking of 400...

EL PASO - Two Mexican nationals pleaded guilty today to multiple charges including alien smuggling and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). “This is but two more guilty pleas added in DEA’s long and sustained efforts against CJNG and its...

OAKLAND – Joel Dowen was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison on August 7, 2026, for engaging in a violent extortion scheme, shooting at a federal officer, drug dealing, and bank fraud. Co-defendant Micah-Luc Almeida was sentenced to three years in federal prison for conspiring to deal drugs with...

San Francisco – On Friday, August 21, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will join Facing Fentanyl , to unite families, communities, and organizations across the country in recognizing National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the national observance which honors and remembers the...