[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.

[dr_lew]

There always comes a point where you have to get the contraband back.

The news reports are saying this didn't happen. They're reporting numerous cases where the weapons sold have been used in crimes. I thought this was the whole thrust of the scandal.

[Spktyr]

Except they did, in this case, deliberately let it go. ATF agents following the purchasers were told in no uncertain terms to STOP and not pursue.

They didn’t tell Mexican law enforcement.
They didn’t tell local law enforcement.
They didn’t tell anyone but other Feds.
The ATF was (mostly) screaming that this operation was going to get people killed and it was a bad idea. DOJ told them to shut up.

We have also recently been running guns to Honduras, a place we basically have never had illicit gun trade with before now.