200 Deaths Every Day, America’s Entirety Destroyed by ‘Drugs’!”

KAZI ABUL MONSUR, JOURNALIST#
Fentanyl has had a devastating impact on social life in the United States, with reports calling it an epidemic. Nearly 200 people die every day from overdoses of this deadly drug. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Like weapons, fentanyl is easily available in America. China and Mexico are reportedly involved in the production and trafficking of fentanyl. The U.S. administration believes that raw materials for fentanyl are being made using resources from these two countries. After Donald Trump was elected, the U.S. government began closely monitoring fentanyl, imposing tariffs and taking various other measures.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is mainly used for medical purposes, but its abuse and trafficking through China and Mexico have intensified the crisis. Although it is used for pain relief, excessive consumption can be fatal. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can cause the death of about 500 people. China is the primary producer of fentanyl, where the raw materials are produced. Mexico and Canada serve as trafficking hubs for fentanyl. The drugs are often smuggled into the U.S. through Mexican cartels. Efforts are being made to stop the supply of fentanyl ingredients from China. However, China has claimed to have taken strict measures to control the production and trafficking of fentanyl. In 2019, China declared fentanyl and related substances as “controlled substances.”

The widespread misuse and easy availability of fentanyl in the streets of America are alarming. It is becoming even more dangerous as it is being mixed with other street drugs. China is considered the main supplier of fentanyl and its raw materials. Despite China declaring fentanyl a controlled substance in 2019, trafficking has not stopped completely. Mexican cartels are accused of using raw materials from China to manufacture fentanyl and smuggle it into the U.S.

In 2022, more than 70,000 people died due to fentanyl overdoses. This has caused great concern. Families are suffering both financially and emotionally. Health systems and rehabilitation centers are under pressure. Excessive fentanyl use is not only increasing the death toll, but it is also paralyzing the healthcare and rehabilitation processes. According to the U.S. House Committee, fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that approximately 150,000 people died from fentanyl overdoses in 2022 and 2023 alone.

The widespread use of fentanyl has had a detrimental effect on the U.S. economy due to reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and rising crime. While China claims to be actively working to stop drug use and trafficking, the U.S. often criticizes China’s measures as insufficient. The U.S. administration repeatedly points out that fentanyl’s origin is China, where its production and raw materials are sourced. The drug is trafficked into the U.S. through Mexico and Canada. China has denied these allegations and has referred to its own steps to control fentanyl production and trafficking.

The trafficking of fentanyl has led to increased tensions between the U.S., China, and Mexico. Former President Donald Trump attempted to address the drug crisis by imposing tariffs on China. On January 20, he will return to the presidency, and before that, he declared that “crime and drug trafficking between Mexico and Canada have reached levels never seen before in the U.S.” Trump also mentioned, “Until drug trafficking, especially fentanyl, and the attack of illegal immigrants are fully stopped, punitive trade tariffs will remain in place.” On November 25, Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that additional tariffs of 10% would be imposed on Chinese goods and 25% on products from Mexico and Canada.

China claims to have taken effective steps to control fentanyl production and trafficking. The Biden administration has announced new laws to curb fentanyl trafficking. Discussions between China and the U.S. are focusing on border security and breaking up drug cartels. The fentanyl crisis is not only an American issue but a global catastrophe. Experts believe that a joint effort by China, Mexico, and the U.S. is the only solution to this crisis.#