Crystal Brantley, a State Senator for New Mexico's District 35, has expressed concerns over the increasing threat posed by criminal activity linked to fentanyl trafficking in New Mexico. She emphasized that this issue should be treated as a law enforcement emergency during a podcast with the New Mexico Sun on March 6.
"This is not a humanitarian concern in which we're getting people who are fleeing for a better life—this is criminal activity," said Brantley, New Mexico State Senator. "We're letting this criminal activity come through, and we don't talk about it enough in Santa Fe. We've got to have a presence down there on the border."
According to the podcast, fentanyl remains a significant concern in the state. Brantley attributed its deadly presence to drug cartel activities at the southern border and noted that it significantly contributes to crime rates and overdose deaths, particularly among young people. She advocates for enhanced border security and local government reimbursement as measures to address this crisis.
Reuters reports that while fentanyl overdose deaths are declining nationwide, the situation is deteriorating in parts of New Mexico. On the Alamo Navajo reservation, overdose deaths surged by 306% in 2024, reaching 199 per 100,000 residents—over six times the national average. The reservation lacks a police force and nearby culturally specific rehabilitation centers. Harold Peralto, a peer support worker on the reservation, said, "We’re losing the younger generations; they’re wandering around lost to the drug."
A poll conducted by CWS Research found overwhelming support among New Mexico voters for tougher penalties against fentanyl and other drug dealers. Ninety-three percent of voters back such measures, with unanimous support from those aged 18-24 and Latino voters. Additionally, 94% of respondents favor holding repeat violent offenders without bail—a stance that transcends political affiliations.
Brantley is notable for being both the first Republican and first woman to represent New Mexico’s Senate District 35. A native of Las Cruces and graduate of New Mexico State University (NMSU), she is an advocate for rural communities and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, focusing on agriculture, law enforcement, and small business development.
