Zhi Dong Zhang, a Chinese national also known as “Brother Wang,” was extradited from Canada to the United States. In short, his journey started with his own arrest by Mexican authorities last October. On October 23, US authorities welcomed Zhang, who is fugitive from grave charges. Yet these charges, largely drug trafficking and money laundering, abound.
Zhang’s legal troubles began when U.S. authorities arrested him in Mexico. He was released into house arrest while he waited for an extradition hearing in court. In an unexpected turn of events, on July 11, Zhang broke free from her house arrest. His flight resulted in a nationwide four-day manhunt that ended with his recapture in Cuba.
The charges against Zhang are severe. Yet, he is charged with controlling a national crime syndicate. This network extends around the United States, Central America, most of Europe, all of China and Japan. Law enforcement officials claim that in order to conduct his trafficking business, he developed partnerships with Mexican drug cartels. According to investigations, Zhang had exported and trafficked over 1,000 kg of cocaine. Moreover, he sold or distributed over 4,000 pounds of fentanyl. He’s thought to have laundered over $150 million a year in drug profits.
Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security, confirmed the extradition, stating, “Today he was handed over to the United States authorities.” This year’s event comes at a time when all eyes are on the fentanyl crisis that has devastated communities across the United States.
Given these developments, it’s understandable that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to go to war against fentanyl. He has promised to deal personally with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “The first question I’m going to be asking him about is fentanyl.” He further confirmed the importance of the topic by saying, “I’m putting it right at the front of the list.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to questions about Zhang’s case, but refused to be drawn out on the specifics. “We are sorry and disappointed in the specific situation.” This announcement underscores their wisdom to tread lightly as fears over international drug trafficking increase.
