From Mexican Cartels to US Streets: The Journey of Fentanyl and the Impact of Tariffs

Fentanyl trafficking from Mexico to the US represents a complex intertwining of demand, supply, and policy struggles, as authorities grapple with one of the deadliest opioid crises in history.

In a dimly lit safe house on the Mexican side of the border, los Angeles dealer Jay observes Mexican cartel operatives as they meticulously prepare a shipment of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid, increasingly responsible for rampant overdoses in the US, is a vital piece of a broader conflict incited by economic policies and the war on drugs.

As Jay shares insights into his illicit trade, he remains acutely aware of the demand for fentanyl—a demand that President Donald Trump has sought to combat with a controversial 25% tariff on goods coming from Mexico. "There will always be demand for fentanyl," Jay comments nonchalantly, highlighting the narcotic’s growing affordability in markets like LA, where prices have plummeted from $5-6 to around $1.50 per pill within a year.

While Trump’s administration has pledged to wage war on drugs and cartels, some of those involved in the supply chain echo a mixture of acceptance and indifference. The operational secrecy at various cartel houses mirrors the extensive reach of fentanyl's distribution, as it permeates communities across the US—particularly in places like Kensington, Philadelphia. Here, Rosalind Pichardo, a local activist, has documented reversing over 2,900 overdoses through the use of Naloxone, demonstrating the crisis's severity and the community's resilience amid despair.

Pichardo holds a stark perspective on the drug war, emphasizing that cutting off one drug supply typically leads to the rise of another, and coercing prevention efforts may not address the root issues. With the ongoing opioid crisis escalating to a staggering 87,000 overdose deaths reported from October to September, it is clear that combatting fentanyl is about more than just tariffs and political rhetoric.

In response to the US's increasing pressure, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced deployments of National Guard troops and efforts to curb the supply of precursors for fentanyl production. Nevertheless, the ripple effects of cartels adapting to new regulations showcase a persistent cycle of production and trafficking that continues to affect both nations.

Ultimately, as the cartels operate shrouded in mystery, with everyday individuals caught in the tides of their operations, the tainted reality of fentanyl’s prevalence brings with it stories of loss, survival, and unresolved questions about responsibility that linger on both sides of the border. The struggle against fentanyl trafficking remains a daunting challenge, deeply embedded in the fabric of society, law enforcement, and global economic policies.