WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recognizes the Red Ribbon Campaign – the nation’s largest drug prevention effort - throughout the month of October by providing drug prevention, awareness, and education that encourages living healthy and drug-free. DEA’s Red Ribbon Week is recognized October 23 through October 31 every...

EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl, causing death or serious bodily injury. According to court documents, Adrian David Perez Jr., 21, sold counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl to an individual on Oct. 13...

ATHENS, GREECE – This week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Citizen Protection presided over the 38th annual International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) in Greece. Hundreds of top drug enforcement officials from more than 130 countries discussed innovative ways to expand international cooperation with a...

Two sheriff’s deputies who allegedly tipped off a drug trafficker about an impending DEA raid are being federally prosecuted, announced DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office...

EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court to 300 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 180 months for one count of straw purchasing firearms and trafficking in firearms, and 60 months for one count of conspiracy...

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 248 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses after being found in possession of over 500 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms in a stolen vehicle. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and evidence...

EL PASO, Texas – Twenty-one individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Chuco Tango street gang were arrested Thursday in and around El Paso on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and/or the unlawful possession of firearms. The following defendants were indicted...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has seen an increase in burglaries at independent pharmacies across the country. Nearly 900 burglaries involving the theft of controlled substances were reported to DEA in 2023. Stolen prescription medications adversely impact these small businesses while also putting patients and the community at...

EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in El Paso to 245 months in prison for two counts related to her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, Karla Adriana Votta-Cardenas aka “Adriana,” aka “Samantha,” aka “Sophia,” 43, of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, worked for...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 21 with extended DEA Museum hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Faces of Fentanyl exhibit is one of the museum’s featured exhibits, and commemorates the lives lost to fentanyl. More...