Fentanyl primarily enters the U.S. through Mexico, with the Sinaloa Cartel playing a pivotal role in its production and distribution. The opioid crisis has escalated, resulting in over 74,000 overdose deaths in 2023. While Mexico and China are key players, Canada is also facing challenges with organized crime becoming involved in fentanyl manufacturing. A coordinated international effort is essential to combat this public health emergency.

Fentanyl enters the United States primarily via Mexico, fueled by a complex international supply chain involving precursor chemicals sourced from China. Despite President Trump imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China to curb the flow of fentanyl, the issue persists, with criminal organizations in Mexico, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, manufacturing and distributing the drug. Law enforcement has reported that almost all fentanyl seized in the U.S. – 98% – comes from the southwestern border with Mexico, emphasizing the role of Mexican cartels in this crisis.

The fentanyl crisis has become a critical public health issue, leading to over 74,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023 alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, and its prevalence in the illicit drug market increases the risk of unsuspecting users consuming a mixture containing the potent opioid. Efforts to combat the problem have intensified, with recent government operations resulting in significant seizures of fentanyl.

China remains the main source for the chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl, despite the country classifying fentanyl as a controlled substance in 2019. Investigations have revealed that some Chinese manufacturers knowingly provide chemical precursors to criminal groups, often communicating cryptically and accepting payments in cryptocurrency. The DEA has recognized India as an emerging source of fentanyl precursor chemicals, complicating efforts to regulate the trade.

While the U.S. border with Canada sees relatively minor fentanyl seizures, Canadian organized crime is increasingly implicated in the manufacture of fentanyl, importing the necessary chemicals and lab equipment from China. Recent data shows a two-way trade of fentanyl between Canada and the U.S., prompting Canada to allocate substantial resources to combat this issue, including the appointment of a dedicated fentanyl czar.

The ongoing fentanyl crisis in the United States is a multifaceted issue involving complex international trafficking networks primarily emanating from Mexico. With the majority of fentanyl entering the country via Mexico, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to address this public health emergency effectively. Additionally, the role of Chinese and emerging Indian sources of precursor chemicals further complicates this crisis, necessitating a robust and coordinated international response.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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