On Tuesday, the United States unveiled a series of measures targeting Chinese companies and individuals involved in the trafficking of the deadly drug fentanyl, as part of a broader effort to combat the international drug trade. This move by President Joe Biden's administration includes the unsealing of indictments and the imposition of sanctions on numerous individuals and entities.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland, speaking to reporters, delivered a message on behalf of the US government, emphasizing their knowledge of those responsible for the distribution of fentanyl in the United States. Garland pointed out that the global fentanyl supply chain, which tragically results in the deaths of Americans, often originates with chemical companies in China.
The US Treasury Department announced sanctions on 28 individuals and entities involved in the illicit drug trade, including a substantial network based in China. This represents the latest round of Chinese targets subjected to Washington's sanctions in relation to fentanyl, as the administration strives to curtail the drug's imports.
In parallel, the Justice Department unsealed eight indictments against eight China-based companies and 12 of their employees. These charges encompass a range of offenses related to fentanyl and methamphetamine production, the distribution of synthetic opioids, and the sale of precursor chemicals associated with these drugs. Notably, none of the defendants have been arrested thus far, and the Chinese government did not cooperate with US authorities in these investigations, according to Garland.
China's embassy in Washington, represented by Liu Pengyu, strongly condemned the US government's actions, asserting China's firm stance on counter-narcotics. Liu accused the US of scapegoating China through tactics like sanctions and slander, suggesting that this approach has undermined China-US cooperation on counter-narcotics.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously emphasized the need for greater cooperation from China in combating the flow of fentanyl during his visit to China in June, and discussions on this matter are expected to continue.
US prosecutors alleged that some of the implicated chemical manufacturing companies had shipped chemicals used in fentanyl production to the US, employing fake shipping labels and other means to evade detection. In some instances, these shipments were directed to Mexico's influential Sinaloa drug cartel.
The Treasury Department attributed responsibility to the China-based network for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and MDMA precursors. It highlighted the network's capacity to produce substantial quantities of these illicit substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and MDMA precursors, along with other prohibited chemicals.
Fentanyl precursors, referred to as such, are chemicals employed in the production of the potent synthetic opioid responsible for a surge in drug overdose deaths in the United States.
Additionally, sanctions were applied to two entities and one individual based in Canada. These sanctions involve the freezing of any US assets held by the designated individuals and entities, as well as prohibitions on Americans engaging in transactions with them.
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