Operatives from Mexican cartels have been approaching homeless encampments in northwest Mexico, offering up to $30 for individuals willing to inject a new fentanyl formula. One resident, Pedro López Camacho, reported that he volunteered multiple times, with cartel members documenting the effects through photos and videos. While he survived, he noted that many others did not, stating, “The people here died.”
This alarming strategy illustrates the lengths to which cartels will go to control the fentanyl market, particularly as global crackdowns on synthetic opioids have made it more challenging to obtain necessary chemical compounds. Chinese restrictions on exports have forced cartels to develop riskier production methods, incorporating a variety of dangerous additives.
Members of the cartel now combine fentanyl with substances like animal sedatives for potency testing. According to cartel cooks, if an experimental mixture fails to incapacitate a rabbit within 90 seconds, it is deemed unsuitable for sale. Former national security commissioner Renato Sales described their testing methods as akin to “Dr. Death,” aimed at calibrating the drug’s lethality.
Investigations revealed that cartel members, including cooks and recruiters, spoke anonymously due to safety concerns. They reported that experimentation includes mixing fentanyl with various anesthetics and that severe punishments are imposed for mistakes. Some cooks aim to create standardized products, while others see potent mixtures as a marketing advantage.
The Sinaloa Cartel, blamed for significant contributions to the synthetic opioid epidemic, operates in a decentralized manner with multiple factions, complicating enforcement efforts. Despite high-profile incidents of overdose, cartel members note that the lethality of their product often attracts more users.
A cartel member referred to as “the boss” acknowledged that his operation has thrived despite challenges, such as diminished potency due to diluted supplies. He has resorted to mixing fentanyl with other anesthetics to enhance its appeal and profitability.
One cook detailed the harsh realities of working in the cartel, including exposure to harmful chemicals and violent enforcement of production standards. He described the unpredictability of his product, noting that different batches yield varying strengths, posing significant risks to users.
Despite the dangers involved in fentanyl production, including potential retaliation from cartel leadership, the cook emphasized that exiting the business is not an option, stating, “There is just work and death.”