Conflict & Security
Chinese graduate accused of running Mexico's fentanyl supply chain
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Chinese graduate accused of running Mexico's fentanyl supply chain
Zhang Zhidong, a Peking University graduate, has been accused of building the precursor chemical link between Chinese factories and Mexican cartels.
- Zhang was arrested in Mexico on 31 October 2024, escaped house arrest, and was extradited to the United States in 2025 after being returned from Cuba and Russia.
- The US Department of Justice accused Zhang of operating a narcotics trafficking and money laundering organization since June 2016.
- Mexican authorities said Zhang was responsible for exporting over 1,000 kg of cocaine, 1,800 kg of fentanyl, and 600 kg of methamphetamine.
- Cartel members told the BBC that Zhang's arrest disrupted precursor chemical supplies, with one saying "the one with the connections" was gone.
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