Executive Summary
We assess that current US counternarcotics operations are insufficient to address the major issues of the current narcotics crisis in the US. While increased law enforcement efforts lead to higher seizures and arrests, not enough is done to curb the demand for these substances.
The US is facing a major drug epidemic, with over one million Americans dying from overdoses in the last 25 years. The gradual transition from plant-based substances such as cocaine to synthetic drugs like fentanyl has exacerbated the issue. A significant portion of fentanyl that is smuggled into the US by sophisticated means. Cartels produce it in drug laboratories in Mexico with Chinese-origin dual-use precursor chemicals. Currently, over 100,000 Americans die from overdoses each year, the majority of which is caused by fentanyl. It is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. [source, source]
Images Sourced From: DEA, SpecialAgents.org, CJUSJobs, Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Uranga
