A group of former California law enforcement agents has raised concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris's record as the state's attorney general. The controversy centers around her role in overseeing a crucial anti-drug unit and her subsequent claims about prosecuting major cases.

According to the New York Post, former agents from California's Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE) are challenging Harris's statements about her involvement in prosecuting transnational criminal organizations.

They argue that her oversight led to the dismantling of the state's oldest drug enforcement agency in 2012.

The shutdown of the BNE occurred during Harris's tenure as California's attorney general, leaving the state without its primary anti-drug and anti-gang fighting force.

This development coincided with the emergence of the fentanyl epidemic, which has since become a major crisis in California.

Former Agents Reveal Details About Agency Shutdown

Cary Cavalieri, a former special agent with the Department of Justice, points to Harris's inaction during the critical period when the BNE faced closure. The agency's dissolution came after Governor Jerry Brown cut $71 million from the Division of Law Enforcement budget.

Sara Campbell, a 30-year veteran who served as a special agent in charge at the BNE, disputes Harris's claims about prosecuting major cases. Campbell alleges that Harris's office did not directly handle the prosecution of significant drug and gang cases.

Jerry Hunter, the retired assistant chief of the BNE, revealed that Larry Wallace, Harris's top aide, began shutting down cases systematically. Wallace later resigned over separate allegations of sexual harassment.

Impact Of BNE Closure On California Crime Fighting

The dissolution of the BNE, which had maintained approximately 50 task forces across California, has significantly impacted the state's ability to combat drug trafficking.

Former agents argue that the agency's extensive network was crucial in preventing drug smuggling. Steve Cooley, former Los Angeles County District Attorney, shared his perspective on the BNE's importance.

He emphasized how the agency provided essential support to smaller counties lacking expertise in handling cartel activities.

Former BNE special agent Campbell directly challenges Harris's claims with this statement:

The AG's Office under Harris never prosecuted a transnational gang or human trafficking case. The only cases they did were the ones that were important to her. I am ashamed I worked on one of those cases in particular. When you pick out and choose what to prosecute, that is not an investigation. That's using your influence to go after what you want to go after.

The Devastating Toll Of Drug Crisis Escalation

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a dramatic increase in fentanyl-related deaths in California.

The number rose from 82 deaths in 2012 to 6,453 in 2022, making it the state with the highest fatal overdoses from the drug.

Brian Brokaw, Harris's former campaign manager, maintains that she prioritized fighting transnational gangs during her six-year tenure as attorney general. He insists that Harris worked effectively with various law enforcement agencies at federal and local levels.

The California Attorney General's Office has responded by stating that BNE functions were incorporated into other programs within the state's Division of Law Enforcement following the budget cuts.

A Legacy That Continues To Shape Public Discourse

The controversy surrounding Harris's role in the BNE's closure remains a significant point of contention. Former agents maintain their position that the agency's dissolution has left a crucial gap in California's law enforcement capabilities.

The impact of the BNE's closure continues to resonate in California's ongoing struggle with drug-related crimes and trafficking. Current Governor Gavin Newsom's recent deployment of California Highway Patrol officers to combat rising crime rates in Oakland underscores the lasting effects of the agency's absence.