Mexico’s seizure of record-breaking amount of fentanyl amid differences with U.S. on opiod crisis

Mexican authorities have reported seizing 1,727 kilograms of fentanyl this year, a similar amount to the seizures in 2022 when nearly 2,086 kilograms were confiscated.

National Guard Commander David Córdova Campos provided these figures, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes.

Since Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took office, 7,565 kilograms of fentanyl have been seized, and 1,740 laboratories producing synthetic drugs have been dismantled.

The announcement comes at a time when the significant consumption of fentanyl is causing concerns, particularly in the United States.

This issue has strained relations between Mexico and Washington, with the US arguing that more needs to be done to address the opioid crisis.

On May 30, the United States imposed sanctions on 17 individuals and entities in China and Mexico for their alleged involvement in fentanyl production for the US market.

Thirteen of the entities operate in China, while the remaining four are based in Mexico.

US authorities view these sanctions as part of their efforts, under President Biden, to disrupt global illicit fentanyl supply chains.

According to recent reports from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drug overdoses have resulted in the deaths of over 107,000 people in the US, with approximately 88,000 of those deaths attributed to opioids like fentanyl.

China has denied responsibility for the illegal fentanyl trade, urging the US to focus on resolving its internal public health issues instead of blaming external parties.

The Chinese government has been actively working to crack down on illicit fentanyl supply chains globally.