Treasury Secretary Visits Atlanta to Announce Stepped-Up Measures Against Fentanyl
ATLANTA – U.S. Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, came to Georgia to make a pledge of new sanctions against a notorious Mexican drug cartel known for smuggling fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the U.S. This significant announcement took place during a press conference in Atlanta and came concurrently with the arrests of eight reputed leaders of La Nueva Familia Michocana drug cartel.
Statistics Paint a Grim Picture
Since the turn of the century, over a million Americans have lost their lives due to drug overdose. Moreover, Georgia has seen a skyrocketing 200% increase in deaths caused by fentanyl-overdose between 2019 and 2021. Addressing the gravity of the situation, Secretary Yellen said, “Far too many families in communities across the U.S. are losing their loved ones to opioids”.
Government’s All-Out Effort
Secretary Yellen further revealed that President Biden has directed all arms of the U.S. government to use every tool and resource available to tackle the opioid crisis head-on. Echoing her sentiment, Ryan Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, joined the discussion by pointing out that illicit drugs entering the country are causing unprecedented fatalities among citizens.
Federal Sanctions and Private Sector Assistance Required
Under Secretary Yellen’s leadership, the Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Assets Control has imposed sanctions aimed at blocking the monetary resources that the drug cartels depend upon for their operations. “Cartels that peddle fentanyl rely on access to banking systems…to fund their operations,” the Secretary noted. She also made it clear that collaboration from the private sector was vital in ensuring the success of these sanctions. The Treasury Department issued an advisory to guide financial institutions to identify and report any financing that could be linked to the fentanyl supply chain.
Crippling the Cartel
Apart from trafficking dangerous drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines into the U.S., La Nueva Familia Michocana is also involved in smuggling illegal immigrants across the southern border and arms trafficking. “We must deny them the fruits of their labor, their money – the very lifeblood of these cartels,” said Robert Murphy, prominent DEA Agent in Atlanta. “Their funding should not be allowed to strengthen them and enhance their destructive influence in the U.S.”
Cooperation from Abroad
Secretary Yellen highlighted the encouraging move by China, agreeing to join American efforts against fentanyl. She further revealed her intention to liaise with Claudia Sheinbaum, the new Mexican President, and collaborate to stem the flow of perilous drugs across the border.
Looking Forward
In conclusion, the Treasury Secretary’s visit not only brought to light the alarming data on drug overdose deaths in the country but also ushered in hope. With the Biden administration’s directive, federal sanctions against drug cartels, and cooperation from the private sector and international partners, the nation stands better equipped to fight the onslaught of illicit opioids. It is now a wait and watch situation – the hope is that these measures will make a considerable dent in the problem at hand.
