Why are drug dealers putting fentanyl in everything? (Part 1)

The use of Fentanyl as a deadly additive in various drugs by dealers is not a rational business decision, but rather a complex issue driven by various factors. Fentanyl, initially developed by the Belgian doctor Paul Janssen in 1959 as a superior hospital painkiller, has found its way to the streets due to its potency and profitability. In the first part of our investigation, we'll speak with journalist Ben Westhoff, who will explain how Fentanyl became a street drug and the role of pharmaceutical companies in its distribution. In the second part, we'll hear from a former user and dealer, who will shed light on the logic that drives the world of illicit drug sales and how it has led to the widespread use of Fentanyl in various drugs. Despite the deadly consequences, the use of Fentanyl by dealers is not a straightforward business decision, but a complex issue with deep roots in the history of pharmaceuticals and the underground drug market.

The invention of Fentanyl by Paul Janssen was a medical breakthrough with unintended deadly consequences. In 2015, the DEA underestimated the potential threat of Fentanyl due to its low consumer demand and high production profitability. Fentanyl's synthetic production made it cheaper and more attractive for dealers, leading to a massive supply in the US market. China, being the principal supplier, had a legal gray area for Fentanyl production, enabling the constant creation of new analogs to circumvent bans. By 2016, Fentanyl overdoses surpassed deaths from any other drug in the US. The story serves as a reminder of the unforeseen risks and consequences of scientific advancements and the importance of regulatory oversight.

Even in the darkest corners of the Internet, individuals can disguise their true intentions and establish seemingly legitimate connections. In this case, a journalist posed as a drug dealer's contact to investigate a Fentanyl dealer with a LinkedIn profile. The dealer, who ran a lab in China, was skeptical and vetted the journalist thoroughly before agreeing to a meeting. Despite the deception, the journalist managed to gain access to the lab, which was located in a seemingly ordinary business park. The experience highlighted the blurred lines between what appears to be a legitimate business and an illicit operation.

The production and distribution of fentanyl from China to the United States is a complex and dangerous process. Ben's experience visiting fentanyl producers in China revealed that these companies often operated in a gray area between legitimate businesses and underground drug operations. The chemists did not openly advertise fentanyl sales on their websites but were willing to make deals in person. Ben's ability to blend in and pretend to be a buyer may have contributed to his welcoming reception. However, the more common route for fentanyl to reach the US market is through Mexican drug cartels who smuggle it across the border. Despite this, the demand for fentanyl in the US is significant and has been created by someone other than the cartels. Fentanyl production and distribution pose serious risks to those involved, including law enforcement officers and unsuspecting consumers. The drugs are often hidden in unexpected places, such as gas tanks, spare tires, and even surfboards, making detection difficult. The consequences of this pipeline reaching the American market are devastating, with more deadly fentanyl being seized at the border than ever before.

The perception of the safety and usefulness of substances, such as opioids, can change over time based on cultural narratives. A substance's inherent properties don't change, but the stories we tell about them do. For instance, opiates have been used for thousands of years for their pain-relieving and euphoric effects, but the cultural narratives around them have shifted, leading to their being seen as dangerous and addictive. Seeds, on the other hand, offer small actions with big benefits for gut, skin, and heart health. Consistently using probiotics and prebiotics, like Seed's d s one daily symbiotic, can support overall health. Our bodies are ecosystems, and a healthy gut microbiome is essential for various body functions. Seed's subscription service makes incorporating this health habit into your routine easy and convenient. While the stories around substances can change, the importance of taking care of our health remains constant.

Purdue Pharma's marketing of OxyContin as non-addictive while it was actually highly addictive contributed significantly to the opioid crisis in the United States. Despite the time-release coating on the pills, patients could crush and inject them for a more potent high. Purdue ignored mounting evidence of this abuse and continued aggressive marketing, leading to millions of dollars in profits and hundreds of thousands of deaths. The misconception that opioids are not addictive led many legitimate users to become addicted and seek out illicit drugs like heroin. This created a huge new market, which was filled by the highly potent and deadly fentanyl. The distribution of fentanyl from Mexico to the US is carried out by various regional gangs, and it's estimated that there are over a million new opioid users in America due to this crisis. The high from fentanyl is described as less "soulful" than heroin, but its deadly potency has made it a major contributor to the opioid epidemic.

The opioid crisis, specifically the rise of Fentanyl, has significantly impacted the user experience and market dynamics of heroin. Fentanyl's short-lived high and greater addiction potential have led to a strong dislike among heroin users, who have seen the traditional heroin market being overtaken by Fentanyl. This hatred was once a problem for drug dealers, who initially hid Fentanyl in heroin supplies without users' knowledge. However, as dealers increased the amount of Fentanyl in their products, it became a bigger issue, with many heroin users now accepting Fentanyl as a fact of life or even pursuing it. The legacy of Fentanyl includes nostalgia for heroin and the challenges of finding non-Fentanyl heroin. The shorter high and greater addiction potential of Fentanyl, along with the higher risk of overdose, make it a problematic alternative for heroin users.

In the illicit drug market, dealers may intentionally adulterate drugs like cocaine with fentanyl, which can lead to fatal overdoses. This counterintuitive behavior is driven by the high demand for opioids and the fatal commitment of some addicts to the strongest high. Dealers realize that some customers will die but the overall business will still thrive. This phenomenon is not surprising to experts given the chaotic nature of illicit markets and the deep adulteration of American drugs. Users, especially those addicted to opioids, may not even notice or complain about the adulteration. However, this perspective leaves an uneasy feeling, as it seems senseless and nihilistic. Despite the explanations, the underlying question of why any business would want to kill its own customers remains.

Importance of understanding the reasons behind people's actions, even if they seem harmful or illogical. This was emphasized through the upcoming interview with a former Fentanyl dealer who will provide insights into the dangerous world of illicit drugs. The fear and suspicion have become so pervasive that simple actions like buying a loose cigarette from a bodega are now avoided due to potential dangers. For listeners concerned about illicit drugs, resources such as Dansafe.org and drugsdata.org were mentioned, which offer fentanyl test strips and a platform for sharing drug information, respectively. In a different context, the podcast also touched upon the importance of being financially savvy and consolidating investment and retirement accounts through resources like Yahoo Finance. Overall, the discussion highlighted the importance of being aware of potential dangers and taking proactive measures to mitigate risks.

The website drugsdata.org provides valuable information about the actual contents of drugs in circulation in various cities, as tested using a mass spectrometer. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and safety, especially in relation to illicit drugs. The podcast "Search Engine" also features intriguing interviews with experts and drug dealers, shedding light on the complexities and potential dangers of the drug market beyond the presence of Fentanyl. The podcast is produced by PJ Vogt and Sruthi Pinamaneni, and is available for free on the Odysee app, Amazon Music, and other podcast platforms. Subscribing to their free newsletter at pjvote.com allows listeners to submit comments and questions for the show. While the information can be eye-opening, it's essential to prioritize personal safety and seek professional help if needed.