Beijing insists that its scheduling of fentanyl and various precursors and its readiness to prosecute Chinese citizens implicated in their trade demonstrate their goodwill. Emily Feng joined NPR as the Beijing correspondent in February 2019; she reports on social trends as well as economic and political news coming out of Beijing. From 2017 through 2019, Ms. Feng served as a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times based in Beijing. She was the first foreign reporter to uncover that China was separating Uighur children from their parents and sending them to state-run orphanages, and uncovered that China was introducing forced labor in Xinjiang’s detention camps. For her coverage of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Ms. Feng won a Human Rights Press merit award for breaking news coverage. Prior to her work with the Financial Times, Ms. Feng freelanced in Beijing for such outlets as The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and The Economist.
The reach and penetration of fentanyl into many regions in India may be difficult to determine until extended time has passed, serious testing has been conducted, and significant damage has been done. Therefore, it is important for law enforcement to employ fentanyl test strips (FTS) at overdose sites to quickly pinpoint fentanyl hotspots. When fentanyl is detected, more attention and harm reduction resources can be provided to those areas (87). It is clear, under this provision, that only certain narcotic drugs themselves, and not their analogs, or other substances similar in chemical makeup or psychoactive effect, are prohibited. This leaves ample room for Indian chemists to legally manufacture unscheduled fentanyl analogs and their precursors. Chemists simply need to make small molecular adjustments to the chemical structure of fentanyl to produce legal analogs, which can reach levels of potency and danger equal or greater to fentanyl itself.
Its mission is to conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations for policymakers and the public. The testimony that I am submitting represents solely my personal views, and does not reflect the views of Brookings, its other scholars, employees, officers, and/or trustees. First of all, over many months the top levels of the Mexican Government has been denying that any fentanyl is synthesized in Mexico; something I certainly don’t believe; something that the United States Government – for which I don’t speak – does not believe in its reports. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering section. Assistant United States Attorneys Francisco Navarro, Erik Paulsen, Chand Edwards-Balfour, Adam Amir and Saritha Komatireddy are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from EDNY Special Agent George Dietz and Paralegal Specialist Bridget Donovan.
In the meantime, China has always strictly controlled precursor chemicals in line with international rules and domestic laws, and continuously strengthened the management and control based on the latest dynamics to prevent illicit diversion. Due to law enforcement actions and sanctions over the past few years, we know that many illicit actors involved in fentanyl and fentanyl precursor transactions use cryptocurrency. One instance of this occurred in 2019 when OFAC identified several Chinese nationals who participated in international drug trafficking of synthetic opioids and precursor chemicals, and laundered money using Bitcoin. China-Mexico law enforcement cooperation against the trafficking of fentanyl and precursor agents for meth and synthetic opioids remains minimal. China rejects co-responsibility and emphasizes that controls and enforcement are matters for Mexico’s own customs authorities and other Mexican law enforcement to address. China has maintained this posture even as the presence of Chinese criminal actors in Mexico, including in money laundering and illicit value transfers (which are increasingly featuring barter of wildlife products for synthetic drug precursors), is expanding rapidly.
Yet such controls would be a significant challenge in Mexico where many people and businesses in legal economies, such as agriculture, fisheries, logging, mining, and retail, have to pay extortion fees to Mexican criminal groups. So achieving widespread and diligent adoption of self-regulation and incentivizing it through the punishment of violators is highly challenging. Moreover, in various parts of the world, including China and India, criminal groups have deeply infiltrated the chemical industry,55 making it easy for them to falsify and subvert such self-regulation measures. Reducing criminal infiltration into and corruption within the pharmaceutical sectors in both countries would be necessary to make such measures more effective.
Read about some of the actions the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to address the overdose and opioid epidemic HERE. They gave customers blueprints for making fentanyl and targeted advertising to Mexico, where the cartels that make most of the fentanyl that ends up in the U.S. are based, said DEA administrator Anne Milgram. A precursor chemical broker was sentenced today to 18 years and eight months in prison for methamphetamine importation and money laundering conspiracies.
- Inspection, investigation and control campaigns on fentanyl-related substances were launched throughout China to get more information on relevant enterprises, persons, precursors and equipment.
- Unfortunately, opioid treatment is not moving fast enough to keep up with the deadly demand.
- But it does not appear that China has sustained efforts to counter the now-more hidden illegal retail and has mounted raids against clandestine sales.
Understanding the Risks of Purchasing Fentanyl
Buying fentanyl from China poses significant risks that go beyond legal implications. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone contemplating such actions.
Legal Implications
The acquisition of fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many countries, including the United States. Purchasing it from foreign sources adds another layer of legal consequences. Key points include:
- Possession of fentanyl can lead to severe legal penalties.
- International shipments can be subject to customs interception.
- You may face criminal charges for distribution or intent to distribute.
Health Risks
Despite its medical uses, fentanyl is highly potent and dangerous. The following health risks should be considered:
- Potential for overdose, especially when dosages are not measured accurately.
- Inconsistent purity and quality from unregulated sources.
- Risk of addiction and dependence.
How to Purchase Fentanyl from China
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Those who still wish to explore the option of purchasing fentanyl from China should be aware of the following steps and considerations:
Identifying Suppliers
Finding a reliable supplier is crucial. Here are some common methods:
- Utilizing online marketplaces and forums.
- Researching suppliers on social media platforms.
- Checking for reviews and past customer experiences.
Payment Methods
Once a supplier is identified, consider your payment options:
- Cryptocurrencies offer anonymity but come with risks.
- Wire transfers may be traceable.
- Be cautious with prepaid cards as they can also be tracked.
FAQs about Buying Fentanyl from China
What are the chances of getting caught?
The chances of interception by customs or law enforcement highly depend on the shipment method and country regulations.
What should I do if I receive a shipment?
Do not open the package. It is advisable to contact legal counsel and local authorities immediately.
Are there safe alternatives to fentanyl?
Consult a medical professional for safer pain management alternatives that are legally prescribed.
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl from China is fraught with legal and health risks. The potential consequences far outweigh any perceived benefits. Always prioritize safety and legality over illicit purchases. Seek help and guidance from medical professionals for legitimate medical needs.
