RUIN: Money, Ego And Deception At FTX
- Since surging into the market in 2013, fentanyl has become the most lethal category of opioid in the United States.
- The current escalation in fentanyl availability in the U.S. is mainly a product of increased demand.
- But unlike prescription pain relievers, the vast majority of synthetic opioid overdoses involve illicit imports from China and Mexico.
- In Canada, synthetic opioids accounted for a population death rate of 109 per million in 2017 [8].
- With China refining its regulatory framework, the global fentanyl network is shifting to the Indian pharmaceutical sector for continued production.
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. Ms. Feng received a dual bachelor’s degree from Duke University’s Sanford School in Asian and Middle Eastern studies and in public policy. On Oct. 11, Elizabeth Ton, 26, and Anthony Gomes, 33, both of Davie, Florida were arrested.
For instance, China’s recent tightening of regulations motivated India to take on a greater role in fentanyl production. Mexico is also taking on a more prominent position in the production and supply of fentanyl. As fentanyl can be synthesized without planting raw materials, its source will continue to diversify [10]. In 2018, India emerged as a source country of fentanyl and its precursors in the global fentanyl network [14].
In our upcoming research report – “Crypto and the Global Fentanyl Trade” – we further explore the use of crypto across the fentanyl supply chain, from the raw chemical manufacturers, through to the dark web vendors selling a range of synthetic opioids – some even more lethal than fentanyl. We also examine how cryptoassets can be prevented from being exploited for this deadly trade. It is perhaps surprising that so many of these businesses were willing to accept cryptocurrency payments, despite the Chinese government’s anti-crypto stance.
One dark web marketplace – the since-retired “ASAP Market” – was particularly selective about enforcing its apparent “no fentanyl” policy. There is still deep skepticism as to whether U.S.-China cooperation on fentanyl will yield worthwhile results. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s lifting of sanctions as being too soft on Beijing, while human rights activists have decried it as a betrayal of the Uyghurs. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., told reporters after the meeting that she wanted to “let the Chinese officials know how this epidemic has affected my small state,” where it kills about 500 people each year.
This study also details how the Indian government meets this challenge through legislative mechanisms, foremost through class-wide legislative control over fentanyl and its precursors. Class-wide control prohibits the unlawful production and distribution of all current and future fentanyl analogs and their precursors, disincentivizing and disrupting their development and production. The Indian government should also reduce domestic demand by promoting harm reduction measures such as opioid substitution therapy, evidence-based treatment, fentanyl test strip and naloxone distribution, and needle exchange programs. Treasury’s own work is powered by an Executive Order that strengthened our ability to deploy sanctions, one of the most powerful tools we have, to target drug trafficking organizations, their enablers, and financial facilitators. This is one of Treasury’s top sanctions priorities, and countering the trafficking of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and precursor chemicals is especially key.
Understanding the Risks and Legalities
In email correspondence, the suppliers highlighted that they have shipped fentanyl and fentanyl precursors to Mexico on many occasions. Specifically, the U.S. president said he and Xi would take action to stem the flow of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to the Western Hemisphere. Given China’s recent decision to ban the unauthorized manufacture of fentanyl, authorities there appear to recognize a growing problem. China might have more success dealing with it if it worried more about independent oversight and regulatory adherence rather than banning the production of specific substances. Broad controls may have unintended consequences, shaping the drug market by pushing the development of chemicals that fall outside of the law. Chinese officials said the Xingtai case was one of three fentanyl trafficking networks they are pursuing based on U.S. intelligence, but declined to discuss the details of the other cases, which are ongoing.
Benjamin Chen is among the many vendors in the country who adopted these new strategies. He and his colleagues built up a robust online synthetic drug operation over the last decade at Shanghai Huilitongda Biological Technology Co. Ltd., which is registered as a pharmaceutical company, according to Chinese corporate records.
Before considering how to buy fentanyl from China, it is crucial to understand the significant risks and legal implications involved. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that poses serious health hazards.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Fentanyl is highly addictive and can lead to overdose.
- Purchasing fentanyl illegally is against the law in many countries, including the United States.
- Counterfeit and contaminated drugs are rampant in the illicit market, increasing the danger of consuming fentanyl.
- Law enforcement agencies worldwide are actively working to combat the illegal trafficking of fentanyl.
How Fentanyl is Manufactured and Distributed
Fentanyl is synthesized in laboratories and may be exported illegally from countries like China. Understanding the supply chain can provide insight into the dangers associated with its purchase.
Key points about the production and distribution of fentanyl include:
- Manufacturing Process: Fentanyl production typically involves complex chemical processes that require specialized knowledge and equipment.
- Distribution Channels: Illicit fentanyl can be distributed through dark web markets or online platforms, often disguised under other names.
- International Trade: Some suppliers may attempt to evade authorities by shipping fentanyl under false documentation.
Alternatives to Purchasing Fentanyl
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain management or substance use disorder, consider the following alternatives:
- Consult with a healthcare professional about legal pain management options.
- Explore holistic approaches such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy.
- Investigate support groups or counseling for addiction recovery.
FAQs
What should I do if I am struggling with pain?
Consult a healthcare provider for advice on safe and legal pain management alternatives.
What are the signs of fentanyl overdose?
Signs include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
How can I find support for addiction issues?
Consider reaching out to local addiction support groups, mental health professionals, or hotlines dedicated to substance use disorders.
What are the legal consequences of purchasing fentanyl illegally?
Penalties may include heavy fines and imprisonment depending on the jurisdiction and quantity involved.
Conclusion
Learning how to buy fentanyl from China involves navigating an extremely dangerous and illegal landscape fraught with risks. Engaging in such activities can have dire consequences for both health and legal standing.
Seek help if you’re facing challenges related to pain or substance use, and prioritize safety and legality in treatment options.
