The Department of the Interior has reported a major fentanyl seizure following a coordinated operation on the Pueblo of Isleta Reservation in New Mexico. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement and the Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Police led the effort, with support from the Homeland Security Task Force. Authorities confiscated approximately 37,300 fentanyl pills, valued at nearly $1.5 million, along with $37,877 in cash.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, "We commend the law enforcement teams from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Pueblo of Isleta, and all of the other dedicated men and women involved, for your unwavering protection of Indian Country. President Trump has made it a priority to keep our communities safe and free of these very deadly drugs. By working alongside our Native communities and in collaboration with our federal, tribal, state and local partners, we are doing everything we can to get these drugs off the streets and away from our most vulnerable. Today’s announcement is another example of how we are honoring our commitments."
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland added, "I praise the great collaboration between all of the involved agencies, both tribal and non-tribal, to protect our nation from deadly drugs which continue to devastate our country. Illegal drugs brought into tribal communities continues to be a major contributor to violent crime occurring in Indian Country. I applaud President Trump and Interior Secretary Burgum for their leadership and continued support in the fierce fight against illegal drug trafficking. By working with our tribal, federal and state partners, it strengthens our ability to accomplish our mission to protect the citizens we serve from these extreme dangers."
The Department established an Opioid Reduction Task Force in 2018 through its Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services as part of efforts to prevent illegal narcotics distribution in Native American territories. This task force was created as part of President Donald J. Trump's initiative addressing opioid abuse nationwide.
According to department officials, combating fentanyl remains a top priority for the administration in 2025. The Interior Department is increasing efforts against drug trafficking organizations by collaborating with multiple task force partners across various levels.
This recent seizure highlights ongoing work by law enforcement agencies dedicated to ensuring safety within Indian Country.
