ICYMI: Dr Gupta Op-Ed On Why China Should Rejoin US Efforts To Address Illicit Fentanyl
The president alluded to the mail-order threat, something that will not be stopped by his administration’s proposed border wall. Furthermore, the 1961 and 1988 Conventions are not self-executing and need to be incorporated into domestic law for their provisions to be applicable [2,33,34]. According to the International Narcotics Control Board [35], some countries legislative amendments relating to NPP and ANPP were made well after the 1988 Conventions effective date [34].
Understanding the Risks Involved
Buying fentanyl from China is fraught with many risks, both legal and health-related.
These opioid users generally favor heroin, but heroin is often in short supply and costly, so they turn to roadside pharmacies for cheaper and less potent opioids like tramadol (24, 25). An influx of cheap and highly potent IMF, resulting from increased domestic production, has and will continue to alter this dynamic. Why mess with unpredictable and costly heroin or less potent corner store opioids like tramadol when IMF is available.
Both large and small organizations appear to be taking advantage of the surge in popularity of the drug, which is increasingly laced into other substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana—very often without the end-user knowing it. To be sure, rising seizures of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl illustrate that the market is maturing in other ways as well. To investigate Mexico’s role, we found we had to look at the entire distribution chain. The result is a nuanced picture but one with troubling implications for the future of drug trafficking and drug consumption. U.S. officials argue that this vast chemical industry is playing a key role in the American fentanyl crisis by supplying the bulk of materials used in illegal drug labs, including in Mexico, which is now the largest exporter of fentanyl to the United States.
The Indian government is also pushing to reduce India’s dependency on chemicals and pharmaceuticals imported from China (33). XINGTAI, China (AP) — A Chinese court sentenced nine fentanyl traffickers on Thursday in a case that is the culmination of a rare collaboration between Chinese and U.S. law enforcement to crack down on global networks that manufacture and distribute lethal synthetic opioids. The report (pdf), released July 22, points to Mexico and China as key nodes in the international distribution chain for fentanyls — synthetic opioid drugs similar to morphine and heroin, but many times more potent. The powerful, synthetic opioid fentanyl has been the driver of most overdose deaths in Philadelphia and across the country for the past two years. It has infiltrated most of the heroin supply here, and is up to 100 times more potent, making the risk for overdose much greater. Last year, fentanyl was present in 84 percent of drug-overdose deaths in Philadelphia and in 65 percent of overdose deaths across Pennsylvania.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and its misuse can lead to severe consequences, including overdose and death.
Furthermore, purchasing substances illegally can result in legal ramifications, including criminal charges and heavy fines.
The DEA has previously raised concerns about what the agency describes as the fentanyl “crisis” in the United States. During congressional testimony in March (pdf), DEA official Louis J. Milione said that the agency was becoming “increasingly alarmed” about fentanyl, citing a “recent spike in overdose deaths” related to the drug’s use. In June, the DEA released a video warning law enforcement agents around the country about the dangers of improperly handling fentanyl seized during the course of their duties. Under the deal — which is still being finalized — China would go after chemical companies to stem the flow of both fentanyl and the source material used to make the deadly synthetic opioid, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the agreement. “We know that this global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China,” he said. Since surging into the market in 2013, fentanyl has become the most lethal category of opioid in the United States.
Legality Considerations
Before considering how to buy fentanyl from China, it is crucial to understand the legality surrounding it:
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. Beijing has denied complicity in the deadly trade, touting its “zero tolerance” drug policies and insisting the roots of the addiction crisis lie in the US. Daskal underscored that “synthetic drugs are killing so many thousands of people” and the “significant” delegation sent by the White House highlights “the importance of this issue to the American people”.
- In many countries, including the United States, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
- Importing controlled substances without proper authorization is illegal.
- Engaging in illegal drug trade can lead to federal charges and imprisonment.
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. U.S. counternarcotics and law enforcement bargaining with Mexico is also constrained by the U.S. reliance on Mexico to stop migrant flows to the United States. Nonetheless, even absent such reform, the United States can take impactful measures that I discuss below. The Mexican government has conducted some interdiction operations based on U.S. intelligence, and some collaboration has persisted at the sub-federal level in Mexico.
Researching Suppliers
If one still seeks to understand the market, researching suppliers is essential. However, it’s vital to recognize the dangers involved:
- “The substitutes are all legal products in China. You can do any investigation.”
- 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.
- Controlling the production of fentanyl and its analogs is more straightforward, as laboratories are either producing an obviously illicit substance meeting molecular requirements and psychoactive effects or they are not, than it is controlling the production of fentanyl precursors.
- Now that shipments from China have come under suspicion, the sellers told the investigators that they preferred to ship through Europe.
- Some of those same compounds can also be combined to create fentanyl, an opioid that can be 100 times as potent as morphine.
- Many online suppliers claim to sell fentanyl but may be scams.
- Quality and purity of the product can vary significantly.
- Counterfeit products may contain lethal chemicals.
Buying Fentanyl from China: A Step-By-Step Guide
While understanding the risks, here is a general outline of what individuals might consider:
- Conduct thorough research: Look into various suppliers, check reviews, and forums to gauge their reputation.
- Verify legality: Ensure that you understand the local laws regarding the import of fentanyl.
- Contact potential suppliers: Begin communication to assess their legitimacy.
- Negotiate terms: Discuss prices, quantities, and shipment options, but be cautious of red flags.
- Place an order: If proceeding, ensure you use a discreet payment method that offers some level of protection.
- Arrange for shipping: Be aware of potential customs seizures and legal risks associated with this step.
Health Risks and Consequences
Using fentanyl carries significant health risks:
- Potential for addiction and dependency.
- Overdose risk is extremely high, as fentanyl is much more potent than heroin or morphine.
- Side effects can include respiratory depression, confusion, and unconsciousness.
FAQs
What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically for pain management but is often misused due to its potency.
Why do people buy fentanyl illegally?
Some individuals may seek fentanyl for its strong pain-relieving properties or recreational use despite the risks involved.
What are the legal consequences of buying fentanyl from China?
Legal repercussions can include criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
Can I overdose on fentanyl?
Yes, overdose is a significant risk with fentanyl due to its high potency, leading to severe health complications or death.
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding how to buy fentanyl from China reveals more about the dangers and drawbacks associated with the process than potential benefits.
It is critical to consider safe and legal alternatives for pain management and to avoid engaging in illegal activities that could lead to serious consequences.