The U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration released a comprehensive review of the threats posed to the United States by deadly illicit drugs and the violent domestic and international drug trafficking organizations responsible for producing and trafficking the drugs poisoning our communities. They report progress in the fight against fentanyl, but also outline the increasing challenges faced in the changing landscape of the synthetic drug crisis.
Key findings include drug overdose deaths decreased for the eleventh consecutive month, however, more than 80,000 Americans still died from drug poisonings and overdose deaths. Also, a downward trend in fentanyl purity. However, while purity levels are decreasing, the mixing of fentanyl with animal tranquilizers and other synthetic opioids is on the rise. Veterinary tranquilizer xylazine remains the top contaminant found in fentanyl powder; although a more powerful veterinary anesthetic, medetomidine, has emerged in the fentanyl supply – a dangerous development in the fight against fentanyl.
Last finding, Chinese transnational criminal organizations are producing the most potent form of marijuana in the history of drug trafficking, with a THC content averaging 25-30%– nearly twice as high as normal.
