Deaths related to fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine have
plummeted, amid Washington's offensive against drug trafficking and pressure on
China for the supply of precursor chemicals.
WASHINGTON—Overdose deaths related to some of the main
illicit drugs have significantly decreased in the United States during the
first months of Donald Trump's administration.
According to the figures released, fentanyl-related deaths
have decreased by 54% since January 2015, while heroin-related deaths have
fallen by 89% and cocaine-related deaths by 37%.
The decline comes as the U.S. government maintains an
offensive against international drug trafficking organizations and has placed
the fight against fentanyl among its top security priorities.
One aspect of this strategy involves the relationship with
China. Washington has pressured Beijing to curb the trade in chemical
precursors used to manufacture fentanyl, many of which are produced or traded
from Chinese territory before reaching criminal organizations operating in
other countries.
The Trump administration has also hardened its rhetoric
against cartels and international drug trafficking networks, linking fentanyl
trafficking to U.S. national security.
The fentanyl case is particularly relevant due to the
enormous impact this substance has had on the U.S. overdose crisis over the
past decade. The recorded decrease, if confirmed by consolidated official data,
represents a significant change from previous years.
The decline is also observed in other substances.
Heroin-related deaths show an even more pronounced reduction, while
cocaine-related fatalities also exhibit a downward trend.