The Story The Sunday Edition: Inside the fentanyl trade
8 snips
Feb 9, 2025 
In a gripping discussion, Stephen Gibbs, a seasoned Latin America correspondent, and Keiran Southern, the insightful West Coast correspondent, explore the fentanyl trade's dark journey from China to Mexico and into American streets. They reveal startling statistics about fentanyl's lethal grasp, claiming it now leads as the top cause of death for adults aged 18 to 49. The guests examine the political implications of this crisis, including President Trump's tariffs and the escalating corruption that hampers law enforcement efforts, all while shedding light on the devastating human cost of addiction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Fentanyl's Grip
- Kieran Southern encountered Nicole Cossio on Skid Row, a former fentanyl user.
- Though currently using meth, Cossio avoids fentanyl due to witnessing its deadly effects on friends.
A Family's Loss
- Trevor Leopold, 18, overdosed on fentanyl after taking a pill he didn't know contained it.
- His parents, from an affluent Marin County family, now advocate for awareness and distribute overdose reversal kits.
Fentanyl's Deadly Appeal
- Fentanyl's low cost, high potency, and addictive nature contribute to its widespread use.
- Its cheap production and smuggling make it readily available, fueling the crisis.