A recent study has unveiled a surprising twist in the ongoing battle against fentanyl trafficking in the United States. Some Mexican cartels have been found to produce fentanyl containing BTMPS, a potentially safer alternative to traditional components. Chelsea Shover, an assistant professor-in-residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine, led the study and described the findings as "shocking." Despite the unexpected presence of BTMPS, experts believe it was not deliberately added by cartels aiming to enhance safety.
In the 2024 fiscal year, U.S. border patrols intercepted nearly 10 tonnes of fentanyl originating from Mexico. In stark contrast, less than 20 kilograms were seized from Canada. This discrepancy highlights Mexico as the primary source of fentanyl in Arizona and other regions, further reinforced by comments that emphasize Arizona's exclusive reliance on Mexican drug supplies. The presence of BTMPS was first identified in Arizona before rapidly spreading across the United States.
“The emergence of BTMPS is much more sudden than previous changes in the illicit drug supply, and the geographic range where it was detected nearly simultaneously suggests it may be added at a high level in the supply chain,” – Chelsea Shover
Unintended Chemical Addition
The introduction of BTMPS into fentanyl produced by Mexican cartels appears to be an unintended consequence rather than a strategic decision. DEA scientists suggest that this chemical was likely produced accidentally due to errors in the synthetic process. Despite this, the presence of BTMPS constitutes a significant difference between fentanyl distributed in Canada and America. In Canada, BTMPS is rarely found in fentanyl, underlining distinct production practices between the two countries.
“Within a matter of weeks, we saw it throughout the rest of the United States. So, it is very widespread. We’ve seized it all over the country,” – Oz
Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Tensions
The flow of fentanyl across borders remains a contentious issue, with U.S. President Donald Trump voicing criticism towards both Canada and Mexico for their roles in smuggling activities. In response, both nations have intensified efforts to crack down on drug gangs operating within their borders. However, the vast quantities intercepted at the U.S.-Mexico border underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities.
“In Arizona, specifically, we know where our drugs are coming from. We know where our source of supply is, and it’s not Canada,” – she (unspecified)
Implications for Drug Policy
With China tightening regulations on precursor chemicals crucial to fentanyl production, Mexican cartels face increased hurdles in acquiring raw materials. As noted by Oz, this development complicates the manufacturing process for cartels, potentially influencing future drug supplies. Yet, despite these challenges, the rapid spread of BTMPS-laced fentanyl across the U.S. warrants further investigation into its long-term implications for public health and policy.
“As China has shifted and been open to regulations and changing some of the way that they supply their precursors and some of those chemicals, it does make it more difficult for the cartels to get the raw materials to make the fentanyl or any other synthetic,” – Oz
