The Treasury Department is set to impose sanctions on individuals and entities tied to a violent Mexican drug cartel, targeting their fuel theft operations which generate millions of dollars for the cartel and fuel their fentanyl trafficking activities. This move, coordinated with the DEA and Mexican authorities, aims to disrupt the funding and operations of these cartels responsible for the deadly drug crisis in the U.S.
A new report reveals China’s significant role in the ongoing fentanyl crisis, exposing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) active support for the drug trade. The report calls for a more assertive approach from the U.S. government, including public exposure of China’s involvement and reshoring of pharmaceutical supply chains.
Republican VP candidate JD Vance, speaking at a rally in Arizona, blamed Vice President Kamala Harris for the fentanyl crisis and a rise in child sex trafficking, claiming her policies have emboldened Mexican cartels. These claims have been disputed by fact-checkers, with data showing the vast majority of child sex traffickers in the US are American citizens.
Attorneys representing patients of an Oregon hospital have filed a $303 million lawsuit alleging that a nurse replaced prescribed fentanyl with tap water, leading to infections and deaths. The lawsuit accuses the hospital of negligence for failing to prevent drug diversion by employees.
The Pennsylvania Senate race is heating up as Republican candidate Dave McCormick targets incumbent Democrat Bob Casey on his alleged inaction on border security and the fentanyl crisis. McCormick’s campaign is using a new ad featuring a sheriff who lost his son to a fentanyl overdose, linking the crisis directly to the open border. Casey’s campaign counters by highlighting McCormick’s past business ties to China and questioning his commitment to fighting the fentanyl epidemic.
Oregon, the first state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs, has reversed course and recriminalized such offenses. The new law, which takes effect on Sunday, offers individuals caught with drugs the option of choosing between a misdemeanor charge or participating in treatment programs. While the legislation aims to address the ongoing drug crisis, critics argue its complexity and inconsistencies could create confusion and disparities.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, will meet with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing next week to discuss a wide range of issues, including Taiwan, military relations, and the fentanyl crisis. The talks aim to stabilize U.S.-China relations and potentially pave the way for a meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi later this year.
JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, has made a false claim about fentanyl being laced in marijuana, drawing criticism for his stance on drug policy and the border. While Vance emphasizes the dangers of fentanyl, experts refute his claim, pointing to the lack of evidence and the potential consequences of spreading misinformation.
Former President Trump is set to visit the U.S. southern border in Arizona this week, highlighting the ongoing immigration crisis and blaming Vice President Kamala Harris for a surge in illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and crime. Trump’s campaign cites numerous cases where illegal immigrants have been accused of violent crimes, including murder, and points to the deadly fentanyl crisis as a major concern.
Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as ‘El Mayo,’ and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the cartel’s other co-founder ‘El Chapo,’ were arrested in El Paso, Texas. The capture is considered a major victory in the fight against illicit fentanyl, with President Biden commending law enforcement officials. However, concerns remain about the potential for a power vacuum and increased ruthlessness within the cartel.
