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...

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release, on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500...

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerrod Curtis, age 42, Paul Daniel Chavis, a/k/a “Payne,” age 56, and Reneard Harris, age 68, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were convicted on September 10, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other drug...

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...

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...

OAKLAND – The government of Mexico recently deported Julio Palafox, a United States citizen, to the United States where he was arrested by the United States Marshals on a warrant to appear on charges stemming from his alleged involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Bay Area. U.S. Marshals...

OAKLAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners announced today the results of a surge in federal firearm enforcement measures in Oakland. From March 2026 to July 2026, coordinated federal and local law enforcement efforts resulted in the seizure of 76 illegally possessed firearms. Over the same period...

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that 12 individuals and an agency have been charged by federal indictment and additional defendants charged by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General with health care fraud and other offenses, for allegedly conspiring to defraud the Pennsylvania Medicaid program. U.S. Attorney Metcalf...