Fentanyl: the growing threat from Mexican cartels
Fentanyl, this devastating synthetic opioid, is causing a veritable tidal wave in the United States. Its introduction into the country is largely due to the Mexican drug cartels, who found this substance a real Eldorado. In fact, fentanyl is fifty times more potent than heroin, making it extremely dangerous and potentially fatal in the event of an overdose.
One of the main reasons cartels have turned to fentanyl is its ease of production and transportation. Unlike opium, which requires large-scale cultivation and involves relying on rural communities, fentanyl can be synthesized in the laboratory with easily accessible chemicals. Additionally, its compact size allows it to be easily concealed and carried, making it an ideal choice for traffickers.
Fentanyl is often sold in pill form, which poses a serious safety concern. This is because these pills can easily be confused with other, more common medications, significantly increasing the risk of overdose. The numbers speak for themselves: in the United States, the number of fentanyl-related deaths has increased dramatically in recent years, reaching alarming levels.
This scourge is not limited to the United States, but also extends to other countries in North America. Canada, for example, is facing a similar crisis, with a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths. Public health authorities are working to find solutions to combat this epidemic, but the task is difficult.
The report by Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin takes us to the heart of this rapidly changing Mexican drug trade. It highlights the devastating consequences of fentanyl on society and highlights the need for urgent action to curb its spread.
In conclusion, fentanyl has become a real treasure for Mexican cartels, who have found this synthetic drug an easy and lucrative way to make profits. Its introduction led to a significant increase in overdose deaths in the United States and other North American countries. It is imperative to put in place preventive and repressive measures to fight against this scourge and protect society against its ravages.