United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OMAHA, Neb. – Marijuana and methamphetamine were the top two drugs seized by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators in Nebraska in 2020, with 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, or the equivalent of one-and-a-half million lethal doses, also making its presence known across the state. Methamphetamine seizures jumped 68 percent in 2020...

OMAHA, Neb., – Last week, the Omaha Division Diversion Group engaged local registrants through virtual presentations on topics including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) guidance during civil unrest and regulations as they apply to veterinary clinics. Minnesota District Office Diversion Group Supervisor Chenin Donahue provided a 30 minute virtual presentation Feb...

OMAHA, Neb., – Justin C. King was named Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division in January and beginning Feb. 1, he oversees 11 offices within a five-state territory. The third SAC of the Omaha Division, King replaces Richard Salter Jr., who retired from...

SAN DIEGO – The Drug Enforcement Administration San Diego Field Division presented awards to several federal prosecutors for their exemplary service and dedication to DEA’s mission in San Diego and the surrounding counties. “It was an honor and a privilege to recognize these Assistant U.S. Attorneys along with U.S. Attorney...

ESTHERVILLE, IOWA - An Estherville, Iowa, police officer is being honored by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for his commitment to reducing drug abuse. The recipient of the Enrique S. Camarena Award is Captain Nathaniel Dunlavy...

WASHINGTON – Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea announced the expansion of Operation Crystal Shield. This expansion includes the designation of two additional methamphetamine “transportation hubs” in 2021. Through this effort, DEA is attacking the entire supply chain, locating and seizing meth shipments before they are broken down...

WASHINGTON – With the unprecedented worldwide health emergency brought on by COVID-19, last year was filled with new challenges and increased risks. While much of the world focused on combating the pandemic, DEA continued to implement initiatives to combat violent drug traffickers who were intent on flooding cities and rural...

WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration named North Dakota State College of Science, and the University of Miami winners of the 5th Annual Red Ribbon Week Campus Video PSA Contest. The contest, co-sponsored by DEA and SAMHSA, was part of the...

OMAHA, Neb. – United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Reiko Elio Penunuri, 42, of Arizona, was sentenced January 13 in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for use of facilities in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering. A cellular phone is a “facility” as used...

FARGO, N.D., – On January 7, Drew Wrigley, U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota, announced charges against 26 defendants involved in Operation Blue Prairie, a drug pipeline connecting individuals in Detroit, Michigan, to the Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations in North Dakota. Drug Enforcement...