fentanyl trafficking

The United States recently repatriated a Chinese national suspected of drug trafficking, a "first" such return in recent years, Beijing's public security ministry said on Friday. "This is the first drug-related fugitive repatriated by the United States to China in recent years, marking a new achievement in China-US cooperation on anti-drug law enforcement", Beijing's Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on social media.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been named a “priority target” by the US Drug Enforcement Administration as federal prosecutors in New York examine alleged links between him and drug traffickers. The probe, based on informant inputs and ongoing questioning of traffickers, includes claims of cartel connections, bribery attempts to block extraditions, and misuse of law enforcement channels. Petro has denied all allegations, and officials say no direct criminal link has been established so far.

The Treasury Department announces the Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The US and China are increasing efforts to stop the movement of fentanyl and drug-making materials into the US. The strike force brings together personnel and intelligence from throughout the Treasury Department to collaborate on stopping the flow of drugs. China has instructed its chemical companies to reduce shipments of materials used to produce fentanyl to Latin America. The group will analyze financial flows, work with local law enforcement, and use financial records to detect drug and human smuggling transactions.

The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment warns of escalating global threats: a five-fold rise in missiles targeting the US, Iran seeking revenge, North Korea’s expanding arsenal, and China’s race for AI dominance. While highlighting persistent cyber, space, and nuclear challenges, the report credits Trump for border security and de-escalation efforts, noting that technological competition, pandemics, and geopolitical instability increasingly shape American security risks.

The US Justice Department has charged 28 members of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, including three sons of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in a fentanyl-trafficking investigation. Known as the Chapitos, or little Chapos, the Guzman sons Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar are "the more violent and aggressive faction of the cartel".

Mexico and the United States have agreed to step up their efforts against fentanyl trafficking and their supply chains, along with Mexico's Sinaloa and CJNG drug cartels. They are working together to reduce the consumption of the drug, which has been responsible for many deaths in the United States.

The Biden administration has announced indictments and sanctions against Chinese companies and executives involved in fentanyl trafficking. Eight Chinese companies have been charged with advertising, manufacturing, and distributing precursor chemicals for synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Additionally, the Justice Department has indicted 12 executives for their alleged roles in drug trafficking. The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 28 people and companies, cutting them off from the US financial system. The actions are part of the administration's efforts to combat the overdose crisis in the US, with Mexico and China being the primary sources of fentanyl.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that members of Mexico's security cabinet will meet with US officials this week to discuss the trafficking of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. The discussion will include arms trafficking, although specifics about which US officials would participate were not provided.

President Joe Biden thanked Mexican authorities for the arrest of Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, alias "El Nini," an accused trafficker of weapons and fentanyl. Perez Salas, a close associate of the sons of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was captured in Mexico's Sinoloa state. The arrest follows the capture of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, another son of "El Chapo." Biden expressed gratitude to Mexico and emphasized the commitment between the two countries to combat violence and end the scourge of illicit fentanyl.

President Trump announced plans to classify fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction" to combat drug smuggling. He stated that adversaries traffic fentanyl to harm Americans, drawing historical parallels to drug-related societal collapse. This move could lead to stricter penalties for traffickers, though the drug has legitimate medical uses.

The US Embassy in India has revoked visas for an Indian executive and their family, citing involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors. This action underscores the US's commitment to stopping the flow of fentanyl into the country, warning that those facilitating illicit drug trafficking will be denied entry.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged a strong response to US President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on Canadian imports starting March 4, linking this to efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking. Trudeau emphasized Canada's efforts in reducing fentanyl trafficking and criticized the rationale behind the tariffs, highlighting substantial investments in border security.