The US Treasury Department has taken significant steps to combat the production and distribution of fentanyl in the United States. On Tuesday, they identified and designated 28 individuals and entities from China and Canada allegedly involved in this large-scale illegal activity.
The implications of this move are far-reaching, as it includes freezing the assets of those who have been designated and implementing a ban on any transactions involving them by American citizens.
Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, during a press conference, made it clear that their efforts wouldn’t stop at these individuals and entities. They are determined to pursue not only the primary actors but also friends and family members who may be benefiting from the profits generated by the illicit drug trade.
He emphasized their resolve by stating that anyone found to be benefiting from these illegal activities would have their assets targeted and seized.
This action by the Treasury Department underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. government views the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in the country.
By targeting both the direct culprits and those indirectly benefiting from this illegal trade, the government aims to disrupt the entire supply chain and hold all responsible parties accountable. It sends a strong message that those involved in such activities will face severe consequences, both legally and financially.
The Biden administration has been facing criticism, particularly from Republican presidential candidates, concerning the influx of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States. This flow often originates in China and often passes through Mexico.
To address this issue, the government has imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities. These sanctions are the outcome of thorough investigations conducted by various agencies, including the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The goal is to crack down on those involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl and its ingredients, which have had devastating consequences, including opioid-related deaths in the U.S. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to combating this crisis and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
