US Department of Justice Indicts Chinese Company for Smuggling Fentanyl Precursors

US Faces Serious Overdose Death Issue
200kg of Fentanyl Precursors Seized

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Chinese companies and individuals for smuggling fentanyl precursors, a serious social issue, into the United States.

On the 23rd (local time), the Department of Justice announced that it indicted four Chinese companies, including the chemical company Amarvel Biotech located in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and eight Chinese nationals on charges of producing, distributing, and selling fentanyl precursors. The Department of Justice explained that this is the first time it has indicted Chinese companies and nationals for smuggling fentanyl precursors into the United States.

The Department of Justice stated that it seized 200 kg of fentanyl precursors sent by the Chinese companies to the United States, adding that this amount is enough to produce fentanyl that could kill 25 million Americans.

At a briefing that day, Attorney General Merrick Garland recalled his declaration in April that he would pursue those responsible for fentanyl to the end, saying, "That includes stopping Chinese chemical companies that provide the precursors needed by drug organizations to manufacture deadly fentanyl." He also strongly urged the Chinese government to take decisive action to prevent Chinese chemical and pharmaceutical companies from playing a role in the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl drugs.

Fentanyl is a synthetic drug 50 times stronger than heroin and is the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 49. It is estimated that about 110,000 people died from fentanyl overdoses in the United States last year.

The Biden administration has repeatedly requested the Chinese government to curb Chinese companies supplying fentanyl precursors to Mexico and the United States, while cracking down on Mexican drug cartels illegally distributing fentanyl. Secretary of State Tony Blinken also raised the fentanyl issue with Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing on the 18th and 19th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.