[dr_lew]

Isn’t that what’s meant? That the sales were made with knowledge of where they were going?

[USNBandit]

In undercover investigations letting a suspect take possession of contraband is called a controlled delivery. There always comes a point where you have to get the contraband back. Usually there are pre briefed contingencies for calling a stop to the operations and taking custody of the contraband.

I've never ever heard of an op where they purposely let contraband go. As far as I know it just isn't done. Does it happen sometimes? Yes, but that is always through a mistake or mishap. You never, ever move stuff across a border. Even if Mexican law enforcement knows about it you still have to notify the State Dept., and then you might as well advertise it in the newspaper.