The podcast discusses the fentanyl trade, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths worldwide. Investigative journalist Ben Westhoff shares his research on the topic, including his undercover work in China where he infiltrated labs producing fentanyl on an industrial scale.
Fentanyl was invented in 1959 as an alternative to morphine, but its fast-acting and short-lasting effects make it a bad fit for illicit use. The North American opioid crisis, fueled by overprescription of opioids like OxyContin, created a demand for cheaper alternatives, which fentanyl filled.
Westhoff explains that the precursor chemicals for fentanyl are made in China and shipped to Mexico, where cartels finish the product and send it to the US. He notes that while there are black market manufacturers in China, many are actually "gray market" companies that operate legally in China but produce chemicals illegal in the US.
Westhoff visited a fentanyl lab in Shanghai and a precursor company in Wuhan, where he found that the operation was surprisingly sophisticated and legitimate-looking, with a sales force of over 700 people. He also discovered that one company, Yuancheng, dominates the fentanyl precursor market and has been actively supported by the Chinese government through tax incentives.
The podcast also touches on the challenges of law enforcement in linking fentanyl-related deaths in the US to factories in China, particularly since China has no extradition treaty with the US and has refused to hand over individuals wanted by the US.
Finally, Westhoff warns that the fentanyl crisis may be evolving, with the emergence of "benzo dope" (a combination of fentanyl and benzodiazepines) and other synthetic opioids that could pose new dangers to users.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin.
2. Only 2 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to potentially cause an overdose.
3. Fentanyl was invented in 1959 by a Belgian chemist as an alternative to morphine for hospital procedures.
4. The North American opioid crisis contributed to the explosion of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
5. The US and Canada are the only two countries with a significant fentanyl problem.
6. The precursor chemicals for fentanyl are made in China and shipped to Mexico, where cartels finish the production.
7. Gray market companies in China specialize in chemicals that are legal in China but illegal in the US.
8. Before 2019, fentanyl could be ordered online from China without needing to access the dark web.
9. In 2019, China blanket banned all fentanyl analogs, but chemists have since tweaked the molecular formula to create new opioids.
10. The US and China have no extradition treaty, making it difficult for the US to prosecute individuals involved in fentanyl production.
11. The Chinese government has provided tax incentives for companies producing fentanyl precursors.
12. A single company, Yuancheng, dominates the market for fentanyl precursors and has a sales force of over 700 people.
13. Benzos (benzodiazepines) are emerging as a new drug crisis in the US, as they can be deadly when combined with other depressants.
14. Fentanyl is often cut into other drugs, including cocaine and weed, because it is cheap and can make users feel high without them knowing the difference.
15. The US government has tried to pressure China to crack down on fentanyl production, but the relationship has been strained since the COVID-19 pandemic.