Illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals are internationally trafficked using various methods, including the 

international mail system, air express couriers, air cargo, and commercial container ships, often disguised within legitimate goods. This activity is illegal and is a top priority for international law enforcement and border security agencies. 

Methods of Illicit Fentanyl Shipping Overseas

Traffickers use sophisticated methods to evade detection by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

• International Mail and Courier Services: This was a primary method for direct shipments from China to the U.S. using the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, DHL, and others. Traffickers often provided tracking numbers and used deceptive packaging and labeling.
• Transshipment through Third Countries: To avoid direct scrutiny, shipments are often routed through multiple countries, with Mexico being a major transit and production hub for U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl. Precursor chemicals are shipped to Mexico where they are manufactured into fentanyl and then smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border, primarily in passenger vehicles and commingled with legitimate goods on trucks.
• Commercial Cargo: Large quantities of precursor chemicals are often moved via container ships arriving at Mexican ports like Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo.
• Mislabeled and Discreet Packaging: Illicit packages are frequently mislabeled as low-value consumer goods, such as “dog food” or “motor oil,” to blend in with normal e-commerce and avoid advanced electronic data (AED) requirements that help identify high-risk shipments.
• Dark Web Operations: Two men were indicted for an international conspiracy to ship fentanyl into the United States via dark web connections. 

Law Enforcement Response

Governments and international agencies are actively working to disrupt these supply chains:

• International Cooperation: The U.S. coordinates with countries like China and Mexico to crack down on online drug networks, implement stricter shipping regulations, and share intelligence.
• Legislation: The STOP Act of 2018 improved the collection of advance electronic data for international mail shipments, making it harder for traffickers to use the postal service undetected. The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently classified fentanyl analogues, increasing penalties.
• Enhanced Screening: CBP and other agencies use drug-detection dogs, X-rays, and data-driven targeting efforts at ports of entry to interdict illicit shipments.
• Indictments and Sanctions: Authorities are targeting and indicting China-based chemical companies and Mexican cartels involved in the fentanyl trade, seizing assets and imposing sanctions. 
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  Illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals are internationally trafficked using various methods, including the 
  international mail system, air express couriers, air cargo, and commercial container ships, often disguised within legitimate goods. This activity is illegal and is a top priority for international law enforcement and border security agencies. 
  
  Methods of Illicit Fentanyl Shipping Overseas
  Traffickers use sophisticated methods to evade detection by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 
  International Mail and Courier Services: This was a primary method for direct shipments from China to the U.S. using the United States Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, DHL, and others. Traffickers often provided tracking numbers and used deceptive packaging and labeling.
  Transshipment through Third Countries: To avoid direct scrutiny, shipments are often routed through multiple countries, with Mexico being a major transit and production hub for U.S.-bound illicit fentanyl. Precursor chemicals are shipped to Mexico where they are manufactured into fentanyl and then smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border, primarily in passenger vehicles and commingled with legitimate goods on trucks.
  Commercial Cargo: Large quantities of precursor chemicals are often moved via container ships arriving at Mexican ports like Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo.
  Mislabeled and Discreet Packaging: Illicit packages are frequently mislabeled as low-value consumer goods, such as “dog food” or “motor oil,” to blend in with normal e-commerce and avoid advanced electronic data (AED) requirements that help identify high-risk shipments.
  Dark Web Operations: Two men were indicted for an international conspiracy to ship fentanyl into the United States via dark web connections. 
  
  Law Enforcement Response
  Governments and international agencies are actively working to disrupt these supply chains:
  International Cooperation: The U.S. coordinates with countries like China and Mexico to crack down on online drug networks, implement stricter shipping regulations, and share intelligence.
  Legislation: The STOP Act of 2018 improved the collection of advance electronic data for international mail shipments, making it harder for traffickers to use the postal service undetected. The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently classified fentanyl analogues, increasing penalties.
  Enhanced Screening: CBP and other agencies use drug-detection dogs, X-rays, and data-driven targeting efforts at ports of entry to interdict illicit shipments.
  Indictments and Sanctions: Authorities are targeting and indicting China-based chemical companies and Mexican cartels involved in the fentanyl trade, seizing assets and imposing sanctions.