China has agreed to tighten control over chemicals used to produce fentanyl, following a visit by FBI Director Kash Patel, the FBI announced. Patel described the move as a crucial strategy to combat global drug trafficking, which has fueled a sharp increase in fentanyl-related deaths. The decision comes after Patel’s meeting with Chinese officials, resulting in the designation of all 13 precursor chemicals and the regulation of seven chemical subsidiaries involved in fentanyl production. Patel highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating it would disrupt the supply chain for drug trafficking organizations, particularly in Mexico.
Patel also credited President Donald Trump’s recent engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping for facilitating this breakthrough, which represents a historic level of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. When Trump took office, he imposed 10% tariffs on China, accusing it of failing to curb the flow of chemicals used to make fentanyl. In response, China imposed its own tariffs. Trump has alleged that Beijing has enabled illicit fentanyl production in Mexico and other regions by subsidizing the export of precursor chemicals to criminal cartels.
The FBI has seized 1,900 kilograms of fentanyl this year, representing a 31% increase from the same time last year, Patel said. He noted that the amount is enough to kill 127 million Americans. The FBI director reiterated that nearly 100,000 people died of a fentanyl overdose last year alone. Patel emphasized the need to target fentanyl precursors, the ingredients necessary to make this lethal drug. This was the first time an FBI director has visited China in over a decade, and the visit was aimed at addressing the issue of illicit drug production directly with Chinese officials.
Patel stated, ‘That was the sole purpose of my trip to China to eliminate these precursors. And if successful, we would suffocate the drug trafficking organizations ability to manufacture fentanyl in places like Mexico.’ He also thanked President Trump for his direct engagement with President Xi, which led to a full commitment from the Chinese government to address the issue at an unprecedented level in Beijing.