Mexican President: "Fentanyl Substance Found in Korean Cargo"

President Obrador Mentions
‘Korean Fentanyl Substance’ in Regular Press Conference, an Unprecedented Case

The President of Mexico announced that fentanyl substances, commonly known as 'zombie drugs,' were detected in cargo coming from Korea. It is unprecedented for a foreign head of state to specifically mention 'Korean fentanyl substances,' so controversy is expected depending on the authenticity of the claim.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, President of Mexico, said at a regular press conference on the 26th (local time), "As part of efforts to prevent the influx of fentanyl, we are trying to make agreements with China," adding, "We will make similar agreements with Korea."

He continued, "New fentanyl substances were found in cargo on a ship that transited through Valencia, Spain the day before," referring to it as 'Korean fentanyl.'

However, it was not clarified whether the ship's initial departure point was Korea, whether the problematic cargo was loaded in Korea, or if the cargo was simply transiting through Korea on its way to Mexico. There was no detailed explanation on whether it was a simple mistake confusing Korea with another country. The type of cargo and the amount of fentanyl substances detected were also not disclosed.

While both the Mexican and U.S. governments have raised concerns through various channels about the influx of fentanyl substances via cargo originating from China, it is unprecedented for a foreign head of state to explicitly mention 'Korean fentanyl substances.'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News] Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, President of Mexico

At a regular press conference on the 5th, President Obrador said, "Cargo from China containing fentanyl substances arrived at our port," adding, "This will serve as evidence that fentanyl came from China to Mexico."

Admiral Jose Rafael Ojeda explained that fentanyl components were detected in 600 packages of cargo labeled as 'fuel resin.' Each package weighed between 34 and 35 kg.

The ship carrying the cargo reportedly departed from Qingdao, China, stopped by Busan, Korea, and docked at the port of L?zaro C?rdenas in Michoac?n, central Mexico. The port of L?zaro C?rdenas, about a seven-hour drive from Mexico City, is considered one of Mexico's major ports along with the port of Manzanillo in Colima.

At the time, President Obrador emphasized, "The cargo was not handled in Korea," highlighting that the fentanyl was loaded in China.

He also stated, "What we consider important is to make agreements to block cargo exits (ports) starting from Asian countries including China," specifically mentioning Korea as a cooperative partner among Asian countries.

He added, "We are willing to join hands with Asian countries to prevent the influx of fentanyl precursor substances," and noted, "The Ministry of Justice is currently in discussions."

However, this is the first time Korea has been mentioned in connection with fentanyl substances rather than as a transit point for Chinese cargo containing fentanyl precursors, so controversy is expected depending on the truth of the claim.

Fentanyl is an opioid (narcotic analgesic) known for its strong hallucinogenic and addictive properties, often called a 'zombie drug.' Its hallucinogenic effect is over 100 times stronger than morphine, and illegal fentanyl addiction is currently the leading cause of death among young and middle-aged adults (18?49 years old) in the United States. Originally prescribed for terminal cancer patients, it is known that China supplies precursor chemicals, Mexico manufactures it, and it is illegally distributed in the U.S.