US charges China-based chemical firms, arrests executives in fentanyl case

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal

TORONTO (AA) - The US charged four China-based precursor chemical manufacturing companies and eight individuals on Friday with crimes related to fentanyl production, distribution and sales.

"These indictments represent the first prosecutions to charge China-based chemical manufacturing companies and nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States," according to a statement by the Treasury Department.

The investigations conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) resulted in the seizure of more than 200 kilograms (400 pounds) of fentanyl-related precursor chemicals. The number of chemicals could potentially produce enough deadly doses to kill 25 million Americans, said the statement.

The defendants are accused of knowingly manufacturing, marketing, selling and supplying precursor chemicals used for fentanyl production in violation of federal law.

Those charged include executives and employees of the China-based chemical companies Hubei Amarvel Biotech Co. Ltd., Anhui Rencheng Technology Co. Ltd., Anhui Moker New Material Technology Co., Shutong Wang, Shifang Ruan, Xinyu Zhao, Yue Gao and Ruiqing Li.

"The chemicals provided by the defendant companies have enabled such cartels and other drug trafficking organizations to produce fentanyl in clandestine laboratories in Mexico on a massive scale," said the statement.

The companies involved are accused of employing deceptive practices to evade detection and interception of their chemical shipments, such as mislabeling packages and falsifying customs forms.

The arrests and indictments are part of the US’ efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic and hold accountable those responsible for its production and distribution.

Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid that is significantly more powerful than heroin and morphine and is a major contributor to the overdose epidemic in the US.

The prosecution of China-based chemical companies and individuals involved in the fentanyl supply chain is seen as a crucial step in addressing the crisis and protecting American communities.