The Escalating Challenge of Fentanyl Trafficking at the US-Mexico Border
Record Seizures Indicate Persistent Trafficking
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant increase in fentanyl seizures along the US-Mexico border. In the 2023 fiscal year, agents confiscated 12,119 kilograms of fentanyl, marking an approximate 90% rise from the previous year. This uptick in seizures occurs despite reports of production halts by major trafficking groups like the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The question I have been getting asked the most is if the order to halt fentanyl production and sales is genuine. I do not believe it is. The cartels may have been shaken by Ovidio Guzmán López’s extradition to Chicago (the calls to halt production came out within a day or two after the extradition). However, money rules the day and if a cartel gives up business, another will take its place.
The Lethality of Counterfeit Pills
The increase in fentanyl trafficking is paralleled by the rising lethality of counterfeit pills containing the substance. DEA reports show that a higher proportion of seized pills now contain potentially deadly doses of fentanyl. This trend underscores the danger posed by these illicit drugs, as they are often disguised as less potent medications, thus increasing the risk of overdose.
For example, the graph below shows the lethality of fentanyl pills recovered by the DEA. In 2017, 10% of fentanyl pills contained a lethal dose. In 2022, it was 66% of pills.
The Complexity of the Fentanyl Market
The fentanyl market's complexity is highlighted by varying purity levels and fluctuating prices across the United States. Despite the Sinaloa Cartel's production ban, the diversity in production methods and prices indicates the involvement of multiple groups in the fentanyl trade. This stratification complicates efforts to control the drug's proliferation.
Currently, it costs about $200 to manufacture a kilo of fentanyl for the cartels. There are reports that fentanyl is going for just 40 cents a pill in some west coast cities.
Pricing and Availability Across Regions
The price of counterfeit fentanyl pills varies significantly across different regions in the U.S., reflecting the inconsistency in supply. In some areas, such as Nogales, Arizona, the low price points suggest an oversupply. Conversely, in regions like McAllen, Texas, higher prices indicate recent market penetration. These variations present a complex picture of the drug's availability and demand across the country.
The Role of International Bans
International efforts, such as China's ban on fentanyl, have not significantly disrupted the trafficking networks in Mexico. Despite these global initiatives, Mexican cartels continue to adapt and maintain their operations, as evidenced by the sustained flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
How China is Weaponizing Drugs to Kill Americans
Addressing the Challenge
The only way we will fix the fentanyl crisis is by addressing China head on over their involvement in providing precursor chemicals to Mexican DTO’s. Next we will have to address the cartel issue while simultaneously controlling our border. Until we take action on the border crisis and cartels having free reign in Mexico and the United States, our problem will only get worse.
Share Your Insights
The situation at the US-Mexico border regarding fentanyl trafficking remains a dynamic and challenging issue. Your perspectives and experiences are valuable in understanding and tackling this problem. Please share your thoughts and join the conversation to help in the ongoing effort against drug crime.