BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Oversight by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has revealed disarray at the federal agency primarily responsible for addressing the nation’s drug crisis. On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, Grassley, who is co-chair of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control,renewed his push for accountability and an improved response to the ongoing drug epidemic. 

In a letter today to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, Grassley scrutinized the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Justice’s (DOJ) delay in exacting justice on four prolific Sinaloa cartel bosses, known as the Chapitos. According to the DEA, “the Chapitos now run the largest, most violent and most prolific fentanyl trafficking operation in the world.”

“I’m disturbed by reports that the Justice Department allowed bureaucratic squabbles at the DEA to hamper drug enforcement operations,” Grassley said. “Agency showmanship is unacceptable and shameful. As fentanyl and other illicit drugs cause thousands of American deaths each year, the U.S. can’t continue dropping the ball in responding to this tragedy. Lives are on the line.” 

The resolution designating August 21, 2023 as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day was led by Grassley and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). It passed the Senate unanimously.  

Background

A Grassley investigation revealed that DEA interference last year halted U.S. efforts to arrest the Chapitos. DOJ, the DEA’s umbrella agency, reportedly supported and prolonged its obstruction of the Chapitos’ indictments, allowing critical time to go to waste in the U.S. fight to stop the flow of fentanyl. During that time, two DEA cooperators in Mexico were allegedly murdered.

Grassley continues working to improve the U.S. response to drug trafficking. Last week, he sent a letter to all 99 county sheriffs in Iowa asking for information regarding local cartel activity. His oversight efforts of the DEA have also uncovered the use of irregular and anti-competitive hiring and contracting practices at the agency.

Full text of the letter is available HERE. 

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