United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division announced today that a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an eight-count indictment charging Jackeline Correa-Vázquez, 45, with tampering with fentanyl and obtaining controlled substances through fraud and deception.

The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA Caribbean Division’s San Juan Diversion Group as part of the agency’s nationwide Fentanyl Free America initiative, which targets all threats involving fentanyl, including the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate medical channels.

According to court documents, Correa-Vázquez, a licensed Advanced Practice Nurse specializing in anesthesia, allegedly used her position and authorized access within healthcare facilities to repeatedly obtain fentanyl vials intended for patient care. The indictment alleges that she removed fentanyl from the vials and replaced it with clear liquid substances in an effort to conceal the theft and make the vials appear untouched.

The investigation began after healthcare professionals identified suspected irregularities involving fentanyl vials and notified authorities. DEA Diversion Investigators, working alongside the Puerto Rico Department of Health Office of Controlled Substances, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and other law enforcement partners, launched a comprehensive investigation that ultimately linked approximately 120 fentanyl vials to suspected theft and tampering activities.

“The people of Puerto Rico place their trust in our healthcare institutions during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. When that trust is violated, the DEA will act decisively,” said Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Mayer. “This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting patients, safeguarding the integrity of controlled substances, and holding accountable anyone who abuses a position of trust for personal gain. Through our Fentanyl Free America initiative and the strong partnerships, we maintain with healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies, we will continue to pursue those who jeopardize public safety and undermine confidence in our medical system.”

DEA officials emphasized that no patient injuries or adverse medical events have been linked to the tampered vials, crediting healthcare personnel for quickly identifying suspicious activity and reporting it to authorities.

“This case highlights the critical role of DEA Diversion Investigators in protecting the public from the misuse and diversion of controlled substances,” Mayer added. “Their work ensures that medications intended for legitimate medical treatment remain secure and available for the patients who depend on them.”

Correa-Vázquez is charged with four counts of tampering with consumer products in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1365(a), and four counts of acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, misrepresentation, forgery, deception, or subterfuge in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(a)(3).

The case was investigated by the DEA Caribbean Division, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Assistant United States Attorneys Myriam Y. Fernández-González and María L. Montañez-Concepción are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law