The United States delivered a statement at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by synthetic drugs. Cartwright Weiland, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, expressed a somber acknowledgment of failures in combating drug overdoses.
"We failed Malcolm Kent," Weiland stated, referring to a 17-year-old who died from an overdose involving fentanyl. He highlighted that there were 86,882 overdose deaths in the United States last year alone.
Weiland addressed criticisms of tariffs imposed by President Trump on countries failing to control synthetic drug flow into the U.S., emphasizing their necessity given the rising overdose numbers in states like Alaska and Nevada. He also mentioned concerns about fentanyl's spread into Mexico and Canada.
China was identified as a central player in the precursor chemical trade. "Facts speak louder than words," Weiland quoted from China's Ministry statement, while questioning China's efforts to combat this issue. He raised questions about convictions related to overseas overdose murders and investigations into cryptocurrency transactions.
The statement extended readiness to collaborate with China but stressed the need for concrete actions. Concerns were also voiced regarding drug diversion to India and Mexico.
Regarding Mexico, Weiland acknowledged new approaches under Ms. Sheinbaum's leadership but noted ongoing violence issues such as those in Guanajuato. The U.S. hopes for action against narcotraffickers like Ryan Wedding and improvements in border inspection systems.
In closing, Weiland reaffirmed America's commitment to controlling dangerous substances and preventing tragedies like Malcolm Kent's death: "The United States of America’s answer is unequivocally, unapologetically yes."