Yes, fentanyl and its precursor chemicals are trafficked globally through complex illicit supply chains

. The trade involves various countries and is a significant international law enforcement challenge. 

The Global Fentanyl Supply Chain

• Primary Source of Precursors: China is the principal global supplier of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl. Chinese chemical companies often sell these ingredients online and ship them by air, disguised as legitimate goods, to evade authorities.
• Manufacturing Hubs: Mexican transnational criminal organizations acquire these precursors and manufacture the finished fentanyl in illicit labs in Mexico. Mexico is currently the leading source of illicit fentanyl trafficked into the United States. India is also emerging as a source for finished fentanyl and precursors.
• Shipping Methods: Traffickers use various methods to ship the substances globally:
  • International Mail/Express Consignment:Direct shipments from China to the U.S. or other destinations often use services like UPS, FedEx, or DHL, with false sender information and disguised contents.
  • Land Smuggling: The primary method for bringing finished fentanyl into the U.S. is through official ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, typically concealed in passenger vehicles or commingled with legitimate goods on tractor-trailers.
  • Other Routes: Fentanyl is also produced and exported from other locations, including Canada, with smaller quantities often trafficked via the dark web to international markets, primarily the U.S.. 

Challenges for Law Enforcement

The global nature of the trade makes it difficult to control: 

• Evasion Tactics: Illicit manufacturers constantly develop new fentanyl precursors to bypass regulations.
• E-commerce: The use of the internet and cryptocurrency for sales and payments enhances criminals’ ability to hide their identities.
• High Potency: Because a lethal dose of fentanyl is as little as two milligrams, only small, easily concealed quantities are needed to transport massive numbers of doses. 

International cooperation among agencies such as the DEA, FBI, and Europol is ongoing to disrupt these global supply chains. The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted numerous China-based companies and individuals for their roles in the illicit trade.