North American leaders have taken a significant step in addressing the illicit fentanyl threat that has been plaguing the region. In a joint statement released after the first North American Trilateral Fentanyl Committee meeting, the leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the United States have vowed to coordinate efforts to combat the production and distribution of synthetic opioids. The Trilateral Fentanyl Committee was formed during the North American Leaders’ Summit held in January of this year. They will work together to disrupt the global transfer, facilitation, and supply of illicit fentanyl, precursor chemicals, and the equipment used in their illicit production before they reach the Western Hemisphere. As part of this process, the three governments will develop a shared understanding of the North American market for legitimate uses of synthetic precursors.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 15, 2023 13:46 UTC