The Daily
How Tariffs Are Shaking Up the War on Fentanyl
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.
28:59
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights how Trump's tariffs prompted a significant crackdown on fentanyl production in Mexico, revealing the urgency of the situation.
- It discusses the complexities of U.S. demand for fentanyl and the sustainable effectiveness of economic pressures in combating drug trafficking.
Deep dives
Understanding Fentanyl Production in Mexico
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, is predominantly produced in Mexico, which has become a significant source for the drug in the United States and globally. The ease of production and the scale at which it can be manufactured make it a lucrative venture for cartels. The podcast discusses how a reporter embedded in Sinaloa, a major hub for fentanyl manufacturing, gained access to an illegal lab, revealing that the production processes are shockingly mundane. This exposure highlighted the accessibility of the necessary chemicals and the relatively simple equipment used in manufacturing, revealing a stark contrast to the violence typically associated with drug production.
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