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...

TUCSON, Ariz. – On Sep. 9, 2026, Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tucson District Office, conducted a multi-state enforcement operation resulting in the arrest of Alastair Mark Sanderson, 39, of Overland Park, Kansas; William Robert Norris, 43, of Westworth Village, Texas; and Michael Christian Packard, 36, of Fort...

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...

SAN ANTONIO – A convicted felon already serving a state prison sentence was sentenced in a U.S. District Court to 360 months in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl while in prison, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division Miguel Madrigal and U.S. Attorney...

A Beaumont man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Division Brian C. Leardo and U.S. Attorney Jay...

LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old Laredo resident has been sentenced for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Rolando Soliz pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2025. U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Soliz to serve 110 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At...

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...

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 50-year-old man has been ordered to prison for his role in the distribution of cocaine. Michael Casas pleaded guilty May 27. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Casas to serve 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release...

HOUSTON- 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 lives lost...