The Daily How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
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Mar 6, 2025 
Natalie Kitroeff, the Mexico City bureau chief for The New York Times and a seasoned expert on drug trafficking, dives into the complexities of the fentanyl crisis. She reveals how recent U.S. tariffs aimed at pressuring Mexico have sparked surprising responses from drug cartels and intensified law enforcement actions. Kitroeff also discusses the gritty realities of clandestine fentanyl labs and the intricate balance Mexican authorities face between political pressures and the daunting challenge of combating powerful cartels.
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Journey to the Fentanyl Lab
- Natalie Kitroeff became obsessed with the fentanyl problem and its impact on the U.S.
- She wanted to understand the manufacturing process, so she sought access to a fentanyl lab in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Simplicity and Danger of Fentanyl Production
- Fentanyl production requires basic kitchen equipment and readily available chemicals.
- The ease of production and the small lethal dose make it a highly dangerous drug.
Why Mexico?
- Fentanyl production thrives in Mexico due to existing cartel infrastructure, experience with synthetic drugs, and government corruption.
- This makes Mexico a more favorable location for production than the U.S.