Mexican Cartels Accused of Using Humans and Animals for Fentanyl Testing Amid Ingredient Shortage
Mexican cartels, particularly the Sinaloa cartel, are allegedly exploiting homeless individuals and animals as test subjects for experimental fentanyl formulas, according to recent reports. This disturbing practice reportedly stems from a shortage of drug ingredients previously supplied by China.
Reports indicate that impoverished individuals in Culiacán are being lured by cartel members with offers of as little as $30 to test dangerous fentanyl mixtures. These experiments often result in severe health reactions or fatalities. Animals, including rabbits and chickens, are also subjected to testing in makeshift laboratories. According to sources, if a hen or rabbit survives longer than 90 seconds after injection, the batch is deemed too weak.
The cartels are reportedly mixing fentanyl with experimental additives such as xylazine, an animal tranquilizer, to create a more potent product. Experts warn that such unregulated experimentation could worsen addiction rates and increase fatalities.
Synthetic opioid overdoses, primarily caused by fentanyl, are expected to claim between 50,000 and 60,000 lives in the United States this year. Despite the escalating crisis, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously dismissed the need for U.S. intervention in addressing cartel activities. This follows a proposal by former President Donald Trump to deploy American troops to combat cartels in Mexico.