Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is about 50 times stronger than heroin and used medically for severe pain. 💊

Fentanyl gets into the U.S. mostly through the southern border, smuggled in vehicles at legal ports of entry. Cartels in Mexico make fentanyl from precursor chemicals that usually come from China.

It is a general problem because fentanyl is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., killing tens of thousands every year.

This is important because it connects drug policy, border security, and public health in one crisis.

The following information is according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Overall Fentanyl Flow is Diversifying:

• The way fentanyl reaches the U.S. has become more varied since 2014, with new countries involved in its supply chain ⛓️‍💥
• This makes it harder for law enforcement to stop fentanyl from entering the U.S.

Key Source Countries:

Outlook:

• The flow of fentanyl is expected to remain diversified
• India's emergence as a supplier and China's new regulations will significantly impact fentanyl supply chains ⛓️
• Mexican TCOs are likely to take a larger role in producing and supplying fentanyl and illicit fentanyl pills to the U.S., especially if China's new controls are effective
• Fentanyl production and sourcing of precursor chemicals may expand beyond currently identified countries because, unlike heroin and cocaine (which come from plants), fentanyl can be produced anywhere 🌍