- 14 Mar 2002
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An exclusive report by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on 26 June suggested that fentanyl may be passing through Japan from China on its way to the United States, prompting swift responses from officials in both Tokyo and Washington. While the Japanese government has not verified the report, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stated that Japan would cooperate closely with international partners and enforce strict domestic regulations. His remarks, delivered at a government press conference, were unusual in tone and underscored the seriousness with which the issue is being treated. Foreign Minister Kamikawa also addressed the matter, stating that any existing international trafficking routes must be dismantled. Japanese concern is heightened by how the report might be received in Washington, especially given that Donald Trump has made fentanyl a central issue in his 2024 presidential campaign.
Paywall alert:
Is Japan a Transit Point for Fentanyl?
A synthetic opioid so powerful it can kill with a single tablet is threatening to strain relations between Japan and the United States. Fentanyl, a drug originally developed as a medical anesthetic, has become a national crisis in the U.S. due to its high potency and addictive nature. Now...
newsonjapan.com
Paywall alert:
Fentanyl supply chain spans China, Mexico, US -- and Japan
'Yokohama connection' suspected in pipeline for drug precursors
The Japan 'boss' at the center of a fentanyl web
Key figure covered tracks of cross-border smuggling network
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Investigation by American authorities reveals existence of a boss in Japan