Chen is one of more than 100 vendors who market fentanyl or related chemicals out of facilities across China, and his story illustrates how networks are getting around international efforts to crack down on the supply chain of lethal synthetic opioids. In an interview with NPR, however, Chen categorically denied that he manufactures or sells any illegal substances. Mexico and China are the primary sources for fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the U.S., according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking. Nearly all the precursor chemicals that are needed to make fentanyl come from China. And the companies that make the precursors routinely use fake return addresses and mislabel the products in order to avoid being caught by law enforcement.
Designer drugs: Past history and future prospects
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has gained notoriety for its role in the current opioid crisis. While it is a prescription medication used to treat severe pain, it is also illegally manufactured and sold on the black market. China has been identified as one of the major sources of illicit fentanyl, making it possible for individuals to purchase the drug online.
Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis
Research and Find a Supplier
The investigation began when border authorities intercepted a package in December containing pharmaceutical equipment. To evade U.S. regulations, Chinese fentanyl producers shifted their primary market to Mexico. Mexican cartels use precursor compounds imported from China to manufacture large quantities of fentanyl products, which are then smuggled into the United States. The postal service said the STOP Act significantly improved its ability to seize fentanyl and synthetic opioids from the U.S. “China remains the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked through international mail and express consignment operations environment, as well as the main source for all fentanyl-related substances trafficked into the United States,” the DEA report says.
America’s Fentanyl Epidemic: The China Connection
If you are looking to buy fentanyl from China, the first step is to research and find a reliable supplier. This can be done through online forums, social media platforms, or by contacting known sources in the dark web. It is important to verify the credibility of the supplier and ensure that they are selling authentic products.
The direct payments from vendors to suppliers, and subsequent payouts from ASAP Market following sales, is shown on the Elliptic Investigator graph below. One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy. “We have tracked the import from China,” Schiavetta said of fentanyl sold in the Canadian city.
Place an Order
- The three indictments, unsealed on Friday, mark the first time the government has sought to prosecute companies and individuals based in China for bringing the ingredients for fentanyl into the US and Mexico.
- He used a U.S. based anonymous shell company called Big Dog Memorabilia Inc., to disguise his activities.
- 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.
- Contacted later by the AP on Skype, another saleswoman, Cathy, said, “You did such a great job to get evidence, you can just report it.” Then she quickly changed her profile from a photo of a studious-looking Chinese woman holding a child to a dish of snow-white powder.
- With the proper tools and training, law enforcement can monitor fentanyl sales, identify criminals, reduce drug trafficking into the U.S., and build strong cases for juries, all through the lens of cryptocurrency use.
Once you have found a reputable supplier, the next step is to place an order. This may involve providing personal information, such as your name and address, and making a payment using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Be cautious when sharing sensitive information and make sure to use secure channels for communication.
Drug bust nets over $10M of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine
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. Vendors continue to operate openly on platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Wickr, MeWe and Vimeo, advertising a head-spinning array of chemicals tagged with an obscure but internationally used numerical naming system. Access to the Internet gives even small-time sellers in China transnational reach to market and ship their potent products.
In Mexico, far more so than in other parts of the world, poaching and wildlife trafficking for Chinese markets is increasingly thickly intermeshed with drug trafficking, money laundering, and value transfer in illicit economies. The United States blames China for poor domestic enforcement of its regulations, inadequate actions against Chinese drug smugglers and money launderers, and insufficient regulatory oversight of its non-scheduled chemicals. Highlighting that it does not have any fentanyl abuse problem and thus that its regulatory actions are motivated purely to help the United States, China rejects Washington’s claims and blames the opioid epidemic solely on America’s internal failings.
It is crucial to note that purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and poses serious health risks. The drug is highly addictive and can lead to overdose and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek help from a healthcare professional or a support group.
Remember, buying fentanyl from China or any other source is risky and potentially life-threatening. It is essential to prioritize your health and well-being over obtaining the drug illegally. Seek safe and legal alternatives for managing pain and addiction.
