U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has initiated a new effort to combat the influx of fentanyl precursors into the United States. The establishment of the Fentanyl Precursor Interception (FPI) Strike Force aims to identify and neutralize the networks that provide harmful substances to Mexican cartels. Habba addressed the formation of this team with a clear focus: "I am establishing this Strike Force to cut off the supply of chemical precursors that drug cartels rely on to manufacture deadly fentanyl."
The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey, positioned as a leader in opioid enforcement, will direct its strength towards breaking down the fentanyl supply chain. The mission is to prevent these substances from crossing American borders and prosecute global manufacturers supporting illegal production.
Special Agent Cheryl Ortiz of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division endorsed the initiative, acknowledging the severity of the fentanyl crisis, which resulted in over 106,000 American deaths in 2023. Ortiz stated, “We welcome United States Attorney Habba’s creation of the District of New Jersey’s Fentanyl Precursor Interception (FPI) Strike Force and look forward to working with her and our law enforcement partners in battling this opioid epidemic. Any chance at stopping the flow of these precursor chemicals from reaching our communities, helps save lives.”
The production chain of fentanyl begins with precursors, primarily produced in China, which are shipped globally, including to the U.S. These chemicals are trafficked to Mexico, where cartels manufacture fentanyl and distribute it throughout America.
The rise in fentanyl distribution has contributed to a public health emergency, impacting communities and families nationwide. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration under Cheryl Ortiz in Newark, is part of ongoing efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies seeks to protect public safety and reduce drug-related violence.
