BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A former oncologist in Decatur has been sentenced for illegally prescribing drugs, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer. Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Sammy Fuad Becdach, 58, to 24 months in prison...

El Paso, Texas – On Oct. 26, DEA and over 4,400 law enforcement partners collected nearly 630,000 pounds of unused medications at 4,600 locations nationwide. The El Paso Division collected 1,657 pounds in West Texas and 3,393 pounds in New Mexico. This effort to empty medicine cabinets helps to prevent...

Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and DEA New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man previously convicted on charges of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute...

NEW ORLEANS – Communities across the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Division discarded more than 18 tons of unwanted medication on Oct. 26, marking another successful Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Individuals from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi collectively dropped-off a combined 37,109 pounds of unused, unneeded, or expired medication...

ALBUQUERQUE – This week, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshal Service, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office, conducted a coordinated operation to dismantle a significant drug trafficking network in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The operation targeted 15...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The final member of a Northwest Arkansas drug trafficking organization was sentenced to federal prison for crimes related to the distribution of fentanyl. The Honorable Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville. According to court documents and...

GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance. The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent...

ALBUQUERQUE – Five members of a drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Tomas Rubalcaba, 45, Joaquin Rubalcada, 40, and Humberto Gastelum, 65, appeared before a federal judge last week and will remain in custody pending...

WHEN: Thursday October 24 at 10 a.m. MST. WHERE: Federal Justice Building, DEA Training Room Second Floor, 660 S. Mesa Hills Dr., El Paso TX 79912 WHAT: DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James will discuss why the star on the mountain will shine red October 23-31. WHO: DEA...

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing a critical alert to healthcare professionals, warning of recent scam calls targeting doctors and pharmacists. Fraudsters are impersonating DEA agents to steal sensitive information and possibly extort money. Please know DEA personnel will never contact...