New Mexico Senator Crystal Brantley has called for a more thorough audit of the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administration. This request aims to address misuse linked to a fentanyl case in Sierra County and ensure that benefits are directed towards those in need. Brantley's statement was made in a letter to the Legislative Finance Committee.
"This happened in Sierra County—my home," said Crystal Diamond Brantley, New Mexico State Senator from 35th District (R). "My first priority is feeding hungry New Mexicans—not fueling addiction. Because feeding families is fundamental to me, it deeply bothers me that HB 1 did not include stronger protections to ensure our tax dollars go to hungry children and seniors—not to waste, fraud, abuse, and in this case, fentanyl. The families in my district—and across our entire state—deserve to know that every SNAP dollar is going where it's intended: to feed people in need, not to fuel the fentanyl crisis."
According to KRQE's investigation, there have been allegations of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits being traded for fentanyl in Sierra County. In response, Brantley has asked the Legislative Finance Committee to expand its House Bill 1-mandated SNAP evaluation. The expansion would involve gathering law enforcement case information, coordinating with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), documenting fraud and criminal conduct, and recommending statutory changes so that audit data can support prosecutions. Her letter includes details of the case, such as texts offering $500–$700 in SNAP for pills and surveillance-confirmed EBT transactions, along with directives for the audit.
Research from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that retailer SNAP trafficking has significantly decreased over the decades. Initial estimates around 13% have now dropped to approximately 1.3% according to the latest national study, with violations mainly occurring among smaller stores. Although relatively rare, trafficking undermines program integrity and public trust, necessitating robust oversight and data-sharing with law enforcement to prevent misuse and protect benefits for families.
The New Mexico Department of Health reports that overdose deaths in the state have declined for a second consecutive year, from a peak of 1,029 in 2021 to 948 in 2023. While officials acknowledge this progress, they emphasize ongoing risks from synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which continue to be a significant cause of fatalities. This data highlights the importance of ensuring food aid dollars do not contribute to the fentanyl crisis.
Brantley has served as a Republican senator in New Mexico since 2021, representing District 35, which includes communities affected by the KRQE case. A business owner from Elephant Butte, she serves on key committees and is recognized for her constituent-focused work across seven counties in southern New Mexico.
