The BBC has a report on how fentanyl reaches the United States, where 74,000 people died from overdoses last year.
Chinese chemical companies supply the raw ingredients, sometimes including instructions for making the drug. Despite China's 2019 ban on fentanyl, manufacturers dodge regulations through encrypted communications and cryptocurrency payments. Mexican cartels then transform these chemicals into fentanyl. India is emerging as another major supplier.
U.S. border agents seized 4,500 pounds of fentanyl since September alone, with 98% of all seizures occurring at the Mexican border.
The Trump administration just imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing's failure to stop the chemical exports. China pushed back: "The US needs to view and solve its own fentanyl issue," it said in a statement.
Previously:
• Sonoma County District Attorney admits story of 6-year-old dying of fentanyl overdose in playground was fabricated
• 10 patients reportedly dead after nurse injected them with tap water instead of fentanyl
• After 7 Washington inmates overdose on fentanyl within 30 minutes, detectives find the source
• 'Fentanyl exposure' is not a thing
• Elementary school students sickened after eating gummies with fentanyl — couple arrested
• Florida poet on death row died ahead of schedule from a fentanyl overdose… somehow
• Fentanyl and heroin vaccine ready for human trials
• Fentanyl execs found guilty of racketeering, face 20 year prison sentences
