14 November 2023- Congressman David Trone (D-MD), Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, released a statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s potential deal with the People’s Republic of China to crack down on fentanyl.
The deal, who’s details are unknown, is being reported by Bloomberg as the two superpowers hammering out a deal that centers around fentanyl production in Chinese laboratories. PRC officials would institute a crackdown on illegal fentanyl production in conjunction with the US lifting international sanctions on the Chinese forensic police institute.
A full statement from Trone and his colleagues in the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking is below.
“While the details are still being finalized, it is worth commending any deal with the potential to reduce the number of innocent Americans dying from fentanyl.
“For years, international drug organizations trafficked fentanyl precursors from China to be manufactured in Mexico and driven into our communities in the United States, now killing over 70,000 Americans every year.
“Through our year-long work on the Commission, it became clear that we must do everything in our power to work with our international partners to curb this deadly crisis. Our final report made 76 recommendations, including reestablishing productive communications with China on this issue and urging them to enforce stronger “know-your-customer” laws to prevent fentanyl precursors from falling into the wrong hands.
“For the millions of families – mine included – who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose, this deal is welcome news, but it represents just one step in a long journey to end this vicious drug epidemic. We must come together to fight this crisis from every angle and at every level of government. I look forward to continuing Congress’ work with the Biden-Harris administration to make progress on this issue and save countless lives.”
