The United States is currently grappling with a devastating fentanyl epidemic that has claimed thousands of lives and continues to wreak havoc in communities across the country. Based on available data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2019 alone, there were over 36,500 overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, in the United States; in 2021, fentanyl accounted for 71,238 deaths in 2021, a 23% increase from the preceding year.
Like Father, Like Sons
At the heart of this crisis lies the insidious role played by the sons of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who have emerged as key players in perpetuating America’s drug crisis. Adding another layer of intrigue and corruption, allegations of collusion between Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials and drug cartels have further muddied the waters.
Following the capture and subsequent extradition of El Chapo in 2017, a power vacuum was created within his Sinaloa Cartel. It was during this transition that two of El Chapo’s sons, Iván Archivaldo Guzmán and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán, stepped into leadership roles. Leveraging their family name and established connections, the Guzmán brothers have seized the opportunity to expand their influence over the drug trade, particularly in regards to fentanyl.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has emerged as the primary driver of the current drug crisis in America. With potency up to 50 times stronger than heroin, even minuscule amounts can be fatal. Fentanyl is often mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine or counterfeit prescription pills, without the user’s knowledge—making it a lethal and unpredictable threat. The Guzmán brothers saw an opportunity in marketing the drug. With ruthless ambition, they unleashed this lethal force on American soil, maximizing profits while leaving devastation in their wake.
The Guzmán-DEA Collusion Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, the allegations of collusion between DEA officials and the Sinaloa Cartel that have surfaced are raising serious questions about the integrity and efficacy of America’s drug enforcement efforts. Whistleblowers within the DEA have claimed that certain officials, motivated by financial gain or misguided conceptions of intelligence gathering, turned a blind eye to the Guzmán brothers’ activities. These alleged collusions allowed the Sinaloa Cartel to operate with relative impunity, perpetuating the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
If the allegations of DEA collusion hold true, they would represent a staggering betrayal of the American public’s trust. The very agency tasked with combating drug trafficking and protecting communities from the perils of addiction would have compromised its mission for personal gain or misguided strategic goals. The death toll continues to climb as unsuspecting victims fall prey to the potent grips of this synthetic demon.
Breaking the Cycle of Madness
The majority of illicit fentanyl found in the US is believed to originate from drug labs in China, and it is often smuggled into the United States through various means, including mail services and the postal system. However, in most cases, it is US citizens that are involved in smuggling fentanyl across the US–Mexico border. Some individuals may be enticed by the potential for significant financial gains or become involved due to coercion, threats, or other criminal means. US citizens comprised 86% of fentanyl trafficking convictions in 2021. 1,322 of the 1,533 charged fentanyl trafficking offenders were US citizens. Even the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, acknowledges this point.
As we navigate this surreal landscape, it is essential to break free from the vicious cycle of madness. First and foremost, rigorous investigations must be launched to uncover the depths of DEA corruption. Those responsible, whether cartels or corrupt officials, must face swift and severe legal consequences, sparing no one. Additionally, efforts should focus on enhancing border security, expanding access to addiction treatment and harm reduction services, and raising public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the tactics employed by drug cartels. Most importantly, the crisis should not be politicized and a bipartisan consensus must be reached to save our country from this underground menace.
[Anton Schauble edited this piece.]
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.
The post Influx of Powerful Fentanyl Not Alleviated by Corrupt Agents appeared first on Fair Observer.
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