Content
Situation Report
Yet Beijing rarely acts against the top echelons of Chinese criminal syndicates unless they specifically contradict a narrow set of interests of the Chinese Government. Overall, as with other countries such as Australia, China subordinates its counternarcotics cooperation to the geostrategic relationship with the United States. The second country affected is, of course, Canada, where opioid epidemic use are very significant and fentanyl is a very significant component of that, including in places that have highly advanced harm-reduction policies, such as in British Columbia, in Vancouver. Yet unfortunately, we have had also very inadequate and still deeply troubling lack of cooperation from Government of Mexico in terms of acting against cartels like Sinaloa and Jalisco and in terms of stopping the flows of fentanyl to the United States.
Mexican criminal groups source fentanyl precursors — and increasingly pre-precursors — from China, and then traffic finished fentanyl from Mexico to the United States. Scheduling of fentanyl and its precursors in China is not sufficient to stem flows to the United States. While there is more direct to customer traffic through the mail, many order synthetic opioids to distribute. One of the reason that pill presses are an item to watch for port authorities is that a small amount of fentanyl can be pressed with other filler ingredients and made to look like oxycodone tablets, which have a greater street value. These fake prescription drugs can have very unpredictable strength and pose significant overdose risks to would-be users.
Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to restart cooperation in drug trafficking and a handful of other areas when he and U.S. The first meeting of a new U.S.-China counternarcotics working group will be followed by more in-depth meetings in smaller groups on Wednesday. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is ravaging America, is a major focus, and in particular the ingredients and pill presses for the drug that come from China. Twitter said it does not allow its platform to be used to facilitate illegal transactions and that its advertisement policy prohibits the promotion of drugs and paraphernalia.
For example, it can be hidden in fake “Silica Gel” packets and included with another product, and was uncovered by the Globe and Mail. And because these drugs are synthetics, they can be produced in factories without leaving much of a supply chain to tip off investigators. Fentanyl poses new challenges to law enforcement, in addition to first responders and health care workers. New production techniques have spawned new distributions systems, which our law enforcement officials are working to confront.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Fentanyl Purchase
Purchasing fentanyl from foreign sources, particularly from places like China, poses significant legal and safety risks. Before exploring any purchasing options, it is crucial to understand the implications involved.
- The lesser the supply, the more the supply is in places where we have good cooperation when network networks can be dismantled, the better off we are.
- Fentanyl is a painkiller invented in the 1960’s and used to relieve the agony of advanced cancer.
- The deadliest issue in the U.S.-China relationship right now isn’t the potential for military conflict over Taiwan, but the thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. each year from illicit fentanyl made from Chinese raw materials.
We will work to secure our border from the flow of illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs, support law enforcement so they have the resources they need, and hold the dealers on the streets accountable. At the very top of this lethal food chain are bad actors in China manufacturing fentanyl and the CCP who is allowing their lethal fentanyl engine to run while it kills off thousands of Americans. The DEA led the investigations brought in both districts and used its unique authority to specially schedule protonitazene and metonitazene as Schedule I controlled substances, which was necessary as their adverse health effects, including death, pose an imminent threat to public safety. As a result of that order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to Schedule I controlled substances can be imposed on persons who handle or propose to handle these substances. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized more than 1,000 kilograms of fentanyl-related precursor chemicals, and the USPIS also traced packages containing the precursor chemicals mailed through the U.S. mail and analyzed their contents after seizure. As we recently announced, Treasury’s approach will also be strengthened by the launch of a strike force drawing from across Treasury to enable quick and coordinated action to target the illicit financial networks used by fentanyl traffickers.
Yet Beijing rarely acts against the top echelons of Chinese criminal syndicates unless they specifically cross a narrow set of interests of the Chinese government. Chinese criminal groups cultivate political capital with Chinese authorities and government officials abroad by also promoting China’s political, strategic, and economic interests. Fentanyl overdose has become the leading cause of death for young Americans since 2019. U.S. authorities say that China remains the primary source of the precursor chemicals, which are then processed and manufactured into synthetic opioids by Mexican drug cartels to bring into the United States.
Our 2016 report, Anonymity Overdose, charted the connection between the opioid epidemic and the problem of anonymous shell companies. Driven by high profits, drug traffickers use private cars, pedestrians, and commercial vehicles to smuggle fentanyl into the United States through ports of entry. Just two milligrams of the synthetic opioid—equivalent to 10–15 grains of table salt—is considered a lethal dose. Laboratory testing is the only way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder. But to put that into context there are a relatively small number of seizures and UK suppliers. In terms of where it comes from globally, the key source is China,” said Vincent O’Brien, the NCA’S head of operations for drugs and firearm threats.
The Legal Landscape
In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a controlled substance. This means:
- Illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription.
- Severe penalties for trafficking or buying fentanyl unlawfully.
Engaging in illegal transactions puts individuals at risk of prosecution and criminal record that can have lasting effects on employment and personal life.
Quality and Authenticity Concerns
Another major concern is the authenticity and quality of the product:
- Fentanyl purchased from unverified sources may be adulterated or counterfeit.
- Impurities can lead to overdose and other severe health risks.
It is vital to consider the source and the potential dangers associated with unregulated substances.
Finding Reliable Information
Those who are looking to educate themselves about fentanyl should focus on obtaining knowledge from reputable sources. Here’s how to proceed:
- Consult medical professionals for information on pain management.
- Research government resources regarding drug classifications and legality.
- Access harm reduction organizations and their recommendations.
Alternative Approaches for Pain Management
For individuals suffering from chronic pain, there are alternatives to fentanyl that can be safer and more effective:
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Prescription medications that are regulated and monitored.
- Non-pharmacological therapies such as physical therapy or acupuncture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to buy fentanyl from China?
Generally, buying fentanyl from foreign sources is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
What are the risks of purchasing fentanyl online?
The risks include potential legal penalties, low-quality products, and the threat of addiction and overdose.
Are there safe alternatives to fentanyl?
Yes, alternatives include over-the-counter medications, regulated prescription drugs, and non-pharmacological therapies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of acquiring fentanyl from unauthorized sources such as China carries numerous dangers. This practice is not recommended due to the legal consequences and potential health risks involved. Instead, seeking professional medical guidance and exploring legal pain management options is the best course of action.
