The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: Drug gateway
Mar 1, 2024
Erin Braun, The Economist's West Coast correspondent, shares her insight from the U.S.-Mexico border, exposing the staggering challenges in combating fentanyl trafficking. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey reflects on the legacy of Robert Badinter, the pivotal figure behind abolishing the death penalty in France. The discussion also touches on Argentina's drastic economic situation and potential solutions, drawing lessons from Peru's past. Listeners gain a captivating blend of crisis insight and historical significance.
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Nogales Port of Entry Visit
- Erin Braun visited the Nogales port of entry, observing the daily cross-border traffic.
- She noted the constant flow of people, including families and workers, highlighting the interconnectedness of the border communities.
Fentanyl's Challenge
- Fentanyl's potency and low cost make it easy to smuggle and widely accessible.
- This makes it harder to combat compared to bulkier, more expensive drugs like marijuana or cocaine.
Shifting Supply Chains
- Drug cartels adapt their supply chains to circumvent authorities.
- Shifting from shipping finished fentanyl from China to sending precursor chemicals to Mexico demonstrates this adaptability.