U.S. accuses China of fueling fentanyl crisis with subsidies
A U.S. Congressional commission has accused the Chinese government of taking deliberate steps to fuel an epidemic of the synthetic opioid fentanyl in the United States. These allegations include claims of subsidizing the production of key ingredients for the drug.
7:01 PM EDT, April 17, 2024
Commission investigators found that Chinese manufacturers of so-called fentanyl precursors might receive tax breaks for exports. This information comes from PAP, citing Voice of America. The insight was gained through access to a Beijing government portal, where these incentives can be applied.
Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr testified before the commission, indicating that this information is strong evidence of the Chinese government's involvement in subsidizing the production of fentanyl precursors. Following this, in November, Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping agreed to restart bilateral efforts to curb drug and precursor substance trade.
"Chaos and destruction"
Mike Gallagher, the commission's chairman from the Republican Party, voiced his concern over the Communist Party of China's intentions. - Beijing intends to increase the influx of fentanyl into our country, aiming to cause chaos and destruction, he declared.
China denies the accusations
In response to these charges, the Chinese Embassy in Washington, in a statement to Reuters Agency, contested, "China does not have a fentanyl issue, and the crisis in the United States is not China's fault; blaming China blindly will not resolve the issue in the USA."
In the United States, fentanyl is linked to the majority of drug overdose deaths. Its potency and addictive quality significantly increase when mixed with other drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is up to a hundred times stronger than morphine and far more addictive than heroin. A mere 0.09-ounce pinch of the substance can be fatal.
Source: PAP
