Operation Blizzard, a month-long CBSA operation targeting drug trafficking, resulted in over 2,600 seizures nationwide. A significant majority (67%) of seized drugs originated in the U.S., while a much smaller percentage (17.5%) was destined for the U.S. The operation yielded 1.73 kg of fentanyl, with the majority bound for the U.S. The initiative, part of a broader border security plan, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs across the Canada-U.S. border.
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Despite increased Mexican cooperation in combating drug cartels, including Operation Frontera’s success in seizing significant quantities of fentanyl, the Trump administration is exploring unilateral military action in Mexico. This consideration includes potential drone strikes, a move that has not been ruled out and would mark the first such action since 1914. However, this approach faces strong criticism, with experts warning of potential damage to U.S.-Mexico relations and arguing that a multi-faceted, collaborative approach is more effective than solely military intervention. The Crisis Group highlights the risk of such actions provoking a negative response from the Mexican government, potentially halting cooperation and undermining efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of over 22 million fentanyl-laced pills during President Trump’s first 100 days, claiming this saved 119 million lives. This assertion was widely criticized online as mathematically implausible, with commentators pointing out that this figure represents roughly one-third of the U.S. population. The significant discrepancy between the claimed number of lives saved and the actual U.S. population fueled widespread ridicule and accusations of innumeracy. Bondi’s statement sparked considerable debate and criticism regarding the accuracy and implications of the administration’s anti-drug claims.
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President Trump’s recent Truth Social post proposed using tariffs on Canadian goods to penalize Canada for fentanyl trafficking into the United States. This assertion is widely considered nonsensical, as tariffs are levied on legal goods, and drug smugglers do not typically declare their imports. Multiple commentators expressed bewilderment at this suggestion, highlighting the impracticality and fundamental misunderstanding of how tariffs and drug smuggling operate. This marks at least the second time in 24 hours that Trump has publicly advocated this flawed policy.
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A four-year-old boy died in a New York City shelter after a suspected fentanyl exposure. Police responded to the child’s medical episode, administering Narcan after finding him unresponsive and with abdominal bruising. The parents acknowledged the presence of fentanyl, and while they are being questioned, the investigation is ongoing. This tragedy follows a similar incident last year where a toddler died from fentanyl exposure at a daycare, highlighting the ongoing dangers of fentanyl.
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Grei Mendez, owner of a Bronx day care, received a 45-year prison sentence for her role in the fentanyl death of 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici. Mendez pleaded guilty to drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, after police discovered a large quantity of fentanyl hidden in the day care. This sentence mirrors that of her husband, who also pleaded guilty to related charges. Three other children were also exposed to the fentanyl but survived.
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Under the Trump administration, the use of CIA drones for surveillance of Mexican drug cartels is expanding significantly, extending “well into sovereign Mexico.” This escalation follows Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, facilitating a more aggressive counter-narcotics strategy. The drones, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, are primarily used to gather intelligence on cartel operations, including fentanyl production, and this information is shared with Mexican authorities. While lethal action is currently prohibited, the increased surveillance aims to disrupt cartel activities and address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
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Following a meeting at the White House, Canadian premiers reported a “constructive” conversation with senior Trump advisors regarding the threatened US tariffs on Canadian goods. The premiers emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations and Canada’s role as a secure supplier of essential commodities. While the US cited national security and unfair trade practices as justifications, Canadian officials highlighted the deep integration of their steel and aluminum sectors and Canada’s ongoing efforts to address US border security concerns, including the recent appointment of a new fentanyl czar. The potential impact of the tariffs, particularly the stacking effect on steel and aluminum, remains a significant concern for Canada.
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John Q. Hosedrinker