Inside the Deadly World of Cartel-controlled Fentanyl Labs

👮Fentanyl production has become a lucrative business for Mexican cartels due to its ease of production and high demand in the United States.

🚨Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that is often mixed with other drugs, leading to a higher risk of overdose and death.

🌋The production of fentanyl relies heavily on imported chemicals from China, making it difficult for law enforcement to track and intercept.

👬Mexican cartels view themselves as soldiers in a war against the Mexican state, using violence and intimidation to protect their drug operations.

🚩The presence of the military in cartel-controlled areas has led to violent clashes and increased casualties on both sides.

What is fentanyl?

—Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin. It is often used to relieve severe pain but has been increasingly abused recreationally.

How is fentanyl produced?

—Fentanyl is predominantly produced in illicit labs, where chemical precursors are mixed together to create the drug. It is a synthetic substance and does not require the growth of any plants.

Why is fentanyl so dangerous?

—Fentanyl is highly potent and can cause overdoses even in small quantities. Mixing fentanyl with other drugs increases the risk of overdose and death.

How are Mexican cartels involved in fentanyl production?

—Mexican cartels have capitalized on the demand for fentanyl in the United States. They have set up production labs in Mexico and smuggle the drug across the border.

What is the impact of fentanyl on communities?

—Fentanyl has contributed to the opioid crisis in the United States, leading to an increase in overdose deaths. It has also fueled violence and criminal activities associated with the drug trade.

00:03Introduction to Culiacan, a city controlled by a powerful drug cartel.

00:16Overview of the drug production history in Culiacan.

01:10Introduction to fentanyl as a new and deadly drug.

01:32Filming inside a fentanyl lab in Sinaloa.

02:33Exploration of the easy and cheap production process of fentanyl.

04:06In-depth look at the role of Mexican cartels in fentanyl production.

05:55Impact of fentanyl production on violence and conflict in Culiacan.

08:03Conclusion on the ongoing production of fentanyl and its impact on communities.