A recent report released by a special House committee has shed light on China's involvement in fueling the fentanyl crisis in the United States. The report indicates that China is directly subsidizing the manufacturing of materials used by traffickers to produce the drug outside the country.
The committee's investigators uncovered tax rebates offered by the Chinese government for the production of specific fentanyl precursors and other synthetic drugs, provided that these products are sold outside of China. This revelation has raised concerns about China's contribution to the influx of fentanyl into the U.S., leading to chaos and devastation resulting from the epidemic.
While President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had announced cooperation to combat drug trafficking, the congressional report questions China's commitment to curbing the flow of precursor chemicals and synthetic drugs.
The report's findings were disclosed during a hearing focusing on China's role in the fentanyl epidemic in the U.S., where most overdose deaths are linked to fentanyl and synthetic opioids. The report also highlighted China's interference in investigations into illicit manufacturers, hindering U.S. law enforcement efforts.
Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr emphasized the need for leveraging trade and economic influence to compel greater enforcement from Chinese authorities. Barr suggested that victims pursue civil actions against entities involved in distributing fentanyl precursors and synthetic drugs.
The report calls for increased scrutiny on businesses dealing in fentanyl precursors and narcotics, urging Congress to clarify the president's power to sanction individuals engaged in drug trafficking. It also recommends the imposition of financial sanctions on violators and the establishment of a task force to consolidate intelligence and enforcement resources.
