He made contacts online and started to build up his business, but the government crackdown on fentanyl was hurting his bottom line. The ease with which the drug can be ordered online by Americans is difficult for law enforcement officials to combat. Some of the distributors, who still can be easily found in online searches, claimed to be complying with the new rules banning the overseas sale of synthetic opioids. Fentanyl sourced from China accounted for 97 percent of the drug seized from international mail services by United States law enforcement in both the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Mexico and China Seek to Stem Deadly Fentanyl Cross-Pacific Flow
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been at the center of the opioid crisis in many countries around the world. While it can be legally prescribed by doctors for pain management, it is also commonly abused for its euphoric effects. In recent years, there has been an increase in the illicit production and distribution of fentanyl, with much of it coming from China.
- Particularly because the current state of U.S.-China tensions has strained cooperation in a number of areas.
- As illustrated below, the transaction volume of Chinese chemical shops correlates positively with fentanyl interdictions the next month at the U.S. southern border.
- Though volumes observed by Elliptic are comparatively insignificant to other facets of the global fentanyl trade, the failure of dark web markets to enforce their own rules raises the risk of them becoming a key facilitator in the future.
- India’s chemical industry is too large and complex for status quo enforcement, and these problems will worsen when attempting to enforce bans on greater numbers of FRS.
ICYMI: Dr. Gupta Op-Ed on Why China Should Rejoin U.S. Efforts to Address Illicit Fentanyl
Understanding the Risks
Before attempting to buy fentanyl from China, it is important to understand the risks involved. Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that can be lethal even in small doses. Additionally, purchasing fentanyl from an unreliable source can result in receiving a product that is contaminated or of poor quality.
Researching Suppliers
Expanding and Smartening Up U.S. Measures against Criminal Actors
When looking to buy fentanyl from China, it is crucial to thoroughly research potential suppliers. Look for reputable companies with a history of providing high-quality products. Check for customer reviews and feedback to ensure that the supplier is reliable and trustworthy.
Ensuring Legality
There are also fentanyl production industries in other countries, including India that could fill the gap of U.S. supply if the flow was stemmed from China. The Trump administration has been pushing Chinese authorities to clamp down on fentanyl production since it drove a spike in overdose deaths several years ago. High rates of synthetic opioid use produce significant losses in economic productivity (81). HIV, HCV, and sepsis, all prevalent among PWID, exert a major financial strain on global health care systems (82). Sepsis, a complication caused by bacterial infections, often results from unhygienic needle use, and, left untreated, has a high mortality rate. Extended time in the ICU and premature death, resulting from severe sepsis, exerts considerable economic losses (83, 84).
It is important to note that buying fentanyl without a prescription is illegal in many countries, including the United States. Before making a purchase, make sure to research the laws and regulations regarding fentanyl in your country. Avoid purchasing from suppliers who are offering fentanyl illegally.
Why a Crackdown Won’t Fix the Opioid Crisis
Seeking Professional Advice
If you are considering buying fentanyl for medical use, it is essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional. They can help guide you on the proper dosage and usage of fentanyl, as well as provide information on potential risks and side effects.
China’s involvement
None of this is to say that Washington should not encourage and assist the Chinese government in its efforts to strengthen its regulatory capacity, preventing the production of illicit opioids such as fentanyl. Even a brief interruption to China’s supplying of our fentanyl market will save some lives. But Chinese fentanyl did not create America’s opioid crisis; rather, Chinese fentanyl is merely meeting America’s appetite for opioids, which has grown steadily over the last two decades thanks to the oversupply of prescription painkillers. Yet the Trump administration’s inability to fill vacancies in key agencies with permanent appointments, such as the DEA and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, have, since 2017, impeded the United States’ ability to coordinate its drug policy with its partners abroad. Foreign producers can readily reach buyers in the United States by listing their drugs on online marketplaces.
DISRUPTION OF CHINA-BASED ILLICIT DRUGS SYNDICATE
Conclusion
Buying fentanyl from China can be a risky endeavor, given the potential dangers associated with the drug. It is crucial to do thorough research, verify the legality of the purchase, and seek professional advice before proceeding. Remember, the misuse of fentanyl can have serious consequences, so it is important to approach this decision with caution.
