Drug Control: China strengthens regulations on fentanyl trafficking

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China hits back at the US government's claims that most imports of fentanyl are coming from China. The National Narcotics Control Commission says not a single case of fentanyl trafficking from China to the United States has been identified since May 1st. More from CGTN reporter Sun Tianyuan.

China says it will not take the blame for the US's problems with fentanyl abuse, a drug that's driving America's opioid crisis. The office of the National Narcotics Control Commission claims China is not the major source of fentanyl trafficking to America.

LIU YUEJIN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CHINESE NARCOTICS CONTROL COMMISSION "From October 2018 to March of this year, US customs identified 229 fentanyl smuggling cases with a total weight of about 536 kilograms. Only 17 of the smuggling cases are from China, about 5 kilograms total."

Beijing has tightened regulations and stepped up legislation on fentanyl-related substances in recent years. So far, 25 related substances are listed as controlled narcotics.

HOU YANBO CHINESE STATE POST BUREAU "We are working closely with the police and customs officials at ports and other locations across the country to make sure no drug trafficking happens under our watch."

Despite China's efforts in fighting fentanyl trafficking, deaths linked to drug abuse in the US remain high. In 2017, over 28 thousand Americans died of fentanyl abuse. The number rose to 30 thousand last year.

LIU YUEJIN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CHINESE NARCOTICS CONTROL COMMISSION "Both countries have prioritized research on the real reason for fentanyl abuse in the US, and are conducting comprehensive measures to reduce the huge demand of fentanyl in the US."

SUN TIANYUAN BEIJING "The office adds that China remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs. It says the country is ready to work with the US and other countries to share intelligence and experience to address drug problems. STY, CGTN, Beijing."