China’s Role in Illicit Fentanyl Running Rampant on US Streets

Beijing never curbed the production of fentanyl but encouraged it, investigative journalist says

Fentanyl, firearms, and cash confiscated by DEA Los Angeles. Courtesy of DEA in Los Angeles

News Analysis

Fentanyl overdose has become the leading cause of death for young Americans since 2019. U.S. authorities say that China remains the primary source of the precursor chemicals, which are then processed and manufactured into synthetic opioids by Mexican drug cartels to bring into the United States.