Chasing the dragon: Fentanyl, China, and the opioid crisis

In this book, Ben Westhoff conducts a four-year investigation into the world of synthetic drugs, from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. and harm reduction activists in Europe. The book reveals the origins and spread of Fentanyl, including its initial development by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen in 1959, and how it has evolved into a lethal synthetic opioid. Westhoff's research involves undercover infiltration of Chinese drug operations, analysis of darknet marketplaces, and interviews with various stakeholders, including police officers, politicians, and drug users. The book highlights the global drug addiction crisis, the challenges of harm-reduction initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to combat the Fentanyl trafficking network.

Ben Westhoff's "Original Gangstas" delves into the rise of West Coast hip-hop, chronicling the careers and lives of iconic figures like Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Tupac Shakur. The book explores the cultural and social context that shaped their music and their impact on the industry. Westhoff provides a detailed account of their collaborations, rivalries, and the violence that often surrounded them. He also examines the business aspects of their careers, highlighting the power struggles and financial dealings that defined their rise to fame. The book offers a comprehensive look at the complex and often turbulent history of West Coast hip-hop.