Why in News?
The US Embassy in New Delhi revoked and denied visas to certain Indian business executives over alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl precursors. Citing immigration law provisions, it warned that such individuals and families may face travel bans, stressing Indo-US cooperation against synthetic narcotics.
Description:
What is Fentanyl?
- Potent synthetic opioid used for severe pain management & anesthesia.
- ~100× stronger than morphine, ~50× stronger than heroin.
- Approved for medical use but highly addictive and lethal in overdose.
- Trade names: Duragesic, Sublimaze, Actiq.
Opioid Epidemic in the US:
- Drug overdose deaths (2021) were >6× higher than in 1999.
- ~107,000 overdose deaths in 2021; >75% involved opioids.
- Fentanyl & analogues (acetyl fentanyl, carfentanil) have surged since 2013.
- Often mixed with other drugs (heroin, cocaine, counterfeit pills), worsening risk.
International Dimensions:
- China’s role:
- Companies in Wuhan, Shanghai supply precursor chemicals for synthetic opioids.
- Products shipped to Mexico → processed into pills → trafficked to US.
- Tax rebates & weak regulation enable production.
- Mexico & Canada accused of facilitating transit into US.
- Diplomatic friction between US & China hampers cooperation.
US Response:
- Sanctions, tariffs, & pressure on China & Mexico to curb supply.
- Domestic steps: tighter prescription norms, law-enforcement action, treatment programs (e.g., naloxone availability).
- Debate on balancing public health & criminal justice.
Key Challenges:
- Synthetic opioids are easy to alter chemically → evade bans.
- Local employment in Chinese provinces complicates crackdowns.
- US pharmaceutical over-prescription created a demand base.
Risks & Effects of Fentanyl:
- Rapid respiratory depression → coma, cyanosis, death.
- A very small dose can be fatal; accidental exposure is possible.
Significance for India:
- Examples of transnational crime and public health challenge.
- Shows how global supply chains complicate drug control.
- Links to GS-3 topics: internal security, money-laundering, organized crime.
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