The New York Times exposed how the Sinaloa Cartel is recruiting chemistry students from Mexican universities to develop and enhance the production of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid fueling a global drug crisis. The cartel has shifted from relying on untrained cooks to recruiting skilled chemists, often lured by promises of high salaries and incentives that far surpass legal job opportunities. The aim is not only to refine fentanyl’s potency to hook more users but also to synthesize precursor chemicals, thereby eliminating dependence on imports from countries like China. Cartel recruiters scout campuses, targeting students with strong chemistry backgrounds and discreet personalities. These students are often drawn in by financial desperation, as many face economic hardships or struggle to afford necessities like medical treatment for their loved ones. For example, one sophomore joined after being promised $800 upfront and a monthly salary that was double the average income for chemists in Mexico. American and Mexican officials warn this development represents a new phase in the fentanyl crisis, as cartels gain unprecedented control over the drug’s supply chain. While efforts to disrupt precursor imports continue, the cartel’s push for self-reliance could make law enforcement efforts even more challenging, further exacerbating the devastating opioid epidemic. Read this fascinating story here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/world/americas/mexico-fentanyl-chemistry-students.html