Government Forms New Strike Force to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking and Money Laundering
WCTU - In the face of soaring fentanyl-related deaths in the United States, the government has announced the formation of a new strike force aimed at disrupting the flow of the deadly drug into the country. However, this strike force takes a different approach by targeting the money behind fentanyl trafficking rather than relying solely on law enforcement or military action.
Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has become a massive business, with profits reaching tens of billions of dollars annually. A recent government report revealed that less than 1% of these profits were recovered, and the criminals responsible were rarely prosecuted due to the complex nature of fentanyl money laundering networks that span multiple countries.
To address this issue, the Treasury Department's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence is teaming up with the IRS's Criminal Investigation Unit and other government departments specializing in foreign assets and terrorist financing. The goal is to dismantle the global supply chain of fentanyl and counter money laundering associated with the drug.
The newly formed strike force will collaborate with counterparts in Mexico and Canada, as well as engage with the private sector to identify risks, gather information, and take necessary action against potential money laundering operations. This includes investigating the use of cryptocurrencies for illegal transactions.
Once leads are received, the strike force will coordinate efforts among government agencies, foreign partners, and the private sector to disrupt the flow of money and build solid cases for prosecution by law enforcement.
While cutting off the money supply is just one aspect of the government's multifaceted approach to combating fentanyl trafficking, it is hoped that this new strike force will contribute to a decline in the availability and use of the deadly drug. The government remains committed to saving lives and holding criminals accountable for their actions.
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