In a major blow to the Sinaloa cartel, US authorities apprehended Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo, in Texas. This arrest could reshape the Mexican criminal landscape and potentially lead to violence as factions vie for power within the cartel.
Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, a long-time leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of infamous cartel leader ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, were apprehended in Texas by U.S. authorities. Zambada, known for his low profile and expertise in smuggling, had a $15 million bounty on his head. The arrests come amidst a crackdown on the cartel’s fentanyl trafficking operations, with both individuals facing charges related to their leadership in the deadly drug trade.
The fentanyl crisis continues to devastate communities across America. Two members of Congress, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN), are calling for stronger federal laws to crack down on pill press machines used to manufacture counterfeit drugs laced with fentanyl. They argue that current laws are inadequate and criminals should face harsher penalties for using pill presses to make these deadly substances.
Regina’s Newo Yotina Friendship Centre has sent out a public warning after recent drug overdoses in the city. The centre’s harm reduction program uses a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) machine to test street drugs, and has recently detected fentanyl, xylazine, and benzodiazepines in samples. Harm reduction manager Emile Gariepy said the mixture is potent and can be difficult to reverse with Narcan. He encourages residents to use the FTIR drug-checking machine and practice safe drug use. Fire Chief Layne Jackson reported 14 overdose incidents in the city in the past week, mainly in the inner city and city centre.
GOP candidate Dave McCormick criticizes President Biden’s handling of the border crisis, calling it a “leadership failure.” McCormick, who has made border security a key issue in his campaign, claims that Senate Democrats are more interested in politics than solving the crisis. Democratic incumbent Bob Casey has also expressed concern over the border situation but has been criticized by Republicans for his voting record on immigration issues.
Chinese illegal immigrants are crossing the US-Mexico border in record numbers, raising concerns about potential espionage and the flow of fentanyl into the country. Border authorities apprehended over 200 Chinese nationals in San Diego Sector alone on May 1 and May 2, surpassing the total number encountered in all of Fiscal Year 2021. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that the Chinese Communist Party may be directing some of these immigrants to engage in espionage, while others have raised alarms about the use of Chinese precursors in fentanyl production. The Biden administration has emphasized consequences for illegal entry, but the majority of Chinese immigrants are mass released due to China’s lack of cooperation with deportation flights.
The United States is facing a drug crisis fueled by fentanyl, a potent opioid that has sparked countless overdoses and deaths. Amidst this crisis, Congressman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is calling on the Biden administration to classify fentanyl as a biological and chemical weapon, citing China’s role in fueling the crisis.
Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Treasury Department have raised concerns about the escalating threat of Chinese money laundering operations that are aiding Mexican drug cartels to finance illicit activities, including the trafficking of deadly opioids like fentanyl.
Inhaling fentanyl, a synthetic opioid approved by the US FDA for pain relief and anesthesia, can lead to irreversible brain damage, according to a study published in BMJ Case Reports. The study highlights the potential risks associated with fentanyl use, which is known to be 50 times more potent than heroin and widely available at a low cost. Doctors warn that fentanyl inhalation can cause toxic leukoencephalopathy, leading to inflammation and damage to the brain’s white matter. Such damage can result in unconsciousness and potentially irreversible loss of brain function. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the severe consequences of fentanyl misuse and the need for appropriate precautions and treatment measures.
A homeless woman addicted to fentanyl gave birth in her tent near a fire station two weeks ago. The baby remains in the hospital, while the mother is back on the streets. Doctors say the use of fentanyl in pregnancy has increased in recent years, and they are still learning how to treat newborns withdrawing from the drug. A team of Multnomah County outreach workers continues to try and help the mother, but she has declined their offers of treatment and housing.
