追踪中国芬太尼的日本地下通道（上）

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the involvement of a Chinese organization in the illegal trafficking of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, with connections to Japan and the United States, raising concerns about international drug smuggling networks [1][12][20]. Group 1: Arrests and Investigations - In June 2023, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Chinese nationals Wang Qingzhou and Chen Yiyi for allegedly smuggling dangerous drugs into the U.S. [1][3] - During the investigation, a figure referred to as "the boss in Japan," identified as Fengzhi Xia, emerged, indicating a potential leadership role in the drug trafficking organization [1][5][12]. Group 2: Company Connections - Wang Qingzhou and others were executives at Hubei Amarvel Biotech, a chemical company in Wuhan, which was found guilty of illegally importing fentanyl precursors into the U.S. [5][12] - Chen Yiyi confirmed her employment at companies invested by Fengzhi Xia, suggesting a network of businesses involved in the drug trade [5][12]. Group 3: Social Media and Identification - Investigations revealed a Facebook account belonging to Fengzhi Xia, with limited connections and a profile indicating residence in Naha, Japan, but with ties back to Wuhan [5][9][11]. - The article notes that Xia is linked to at least 16 companies across China, including a 100% owned trading company in Wuhan, indicating a broad network of operations [9][12]. Group 4: Drug Trafficking Routes - The article discusses the emergence of Japan as a potential hub for drug trafficking, with experts indicating multiple smuggling routes involving Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. [14][16]. - FIRSKY, a company linked to Xia, is noted to have operations in Japan and is involved in the import-export of chemical products, further complicating the drug trafficking landscape [10][12]. Group 5: Fentanyl Crisis in the U.S. - The article emphasizes the severity of the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., with approximately 110,000 overdose deaths in 2023, primarily due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl [13][20]. - The DEA has been monitoring Amarvel since 2022, revealing a complex network for fentanyl distribution from China to Mexico and then to the U.S. [18][20].