Economist Podcasts
The Intelligence: Drug gateway
Mar 1, 2024
Erin Braun, The Economist's West Coast correspondent, sheds light on the fentanyl crisis at the US-Mexico border, sharing insights into the complexities of drug trafficking and the relentless efforts to curb it. Catherine Nixie, the Britain correspondent, reflects on the significant legacy of Robert Badinter, a key figure in abolishing the death penalty in France. The discussion also explores Argentina's economic challenges under President Javier Milei and contrasts them with Peru's successful stabilization strategies, presenting a gripping look at justice and economic reform.
25:25
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Quick takeaways
- Fentanyl poses unique challenges for border security due to its potency and ease of concealment, requiring innovative detection methods.
- The US government focuses on treatment and prevention strategies to combat the fentanyl crisis, emphasizing accessibility to addiction treatment and overdose antidotes.
Deep dives
Fentanyl Trafficking Across the US-Mexico Border
The US-Mexico border, particularly Nogales, is a hotspot for fentanyl trafficking, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin. Border Patrol agents in Nogales use stringent security measures like x-ray scanners and drug-sniffing dogs to detect and intercept fentanyl entering the US. Fentanyl has significantly contributed to the opioid epidemic, with a surge in overdose deaths in the US. Strategies at the border aim to curb fentanyl trafficking, but challenges remain in controlling its flow.
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