US charges Chinese fentanyl makers for the first time.

The Justice Department Files Criminal Charges Against Chinese Companies and Individuals Over Fentanyl Trafficking

The Justice Department has taken a significant step in combating the opioid crisis in the United States by filing criminal charges against four Chinese chemical manufacturing companies and eight individuals. These charges allege that they illegally trafficked the chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a highly addictive painkiller that has fueled the crisis.

This marks the first time that the United States has sought to prosecute Chinese companies responsible for manufacturing the precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production. The indictments are a crucial move in addressing the root cause of the problem.

Seeking Greater Cooperation from China

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a historic visit to China, emphasizing the need for greater cooperation in stemming the flow of fentanyl. While both countries agreed to stabilize their rivalry, tensions resurfaced after President Joe Biden referred to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a dictator.

It is essential to address this issue collaboratively to prevent further conflict and protect the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis.

Targeting the Supply Chain

The companies involved in the indictments are accused of selling precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, which has flooded the United States with fentanyl. This case follows the Justice Department’s previous charges against cartel leaders involved in a fentanyl trafficking operation fueled by Chinese chemical companies.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that these cases “break new ground by attacking the fentanyl supply chain at its origin.” Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous substance due to its potency and the fact that it is entirely man-made.

Indictments and Arrests

The unsealing of the indictments revealed charges against Hubei Amarvel Biotech, along with its executives Qingzhou Wang, Yiyi Chen, and Fnu Lnu (also known as Er Yang). These individuals are accused of fentanyl trafficking, precursor chemical importation, and money laundering offenses.

Undercover agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) posed as fentanyl manufacturers and arranged a deal with Wang and Chen to purchase fentanyl precursors. The DEA successfully retrieved the chemicals from a Los Angeles warehouse in May. Wang and Chen were subsequently arrested, while Yang remains at large.

In the Eastern District of New York, prosecutors also unsealed two more indictments against three other Chinese companies and individuals involved in conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl in the United States.

These cases represent a significant step forward in combating the opioid crisis and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington and Luc Cohen in New York; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Angus MacSwan)

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