Mexican Cartels Dominate Global Fentanyl Drug Trade Aided by Chinese Money Launderers, DEA Head Testifies

Ranking Democratic member Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) speaks during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the future of U.S. policy towards Russia on Capitol Hill on Dec. 3, 2019. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard from law enforcement officials on Feb. 15 about the trafficking of fentanyl—an opioid-class substance that’s extremely lethal—into the United States via the southern border.

In his opening remarks to the panel, National Drug Control Policy Director Dr. Rahul Gupta noted that 46 million Americans struggle with substance abuse. One of the most dangerous drugs is fentanyl.