Core Viewpoint - A Chinese organization involved in smuggling synthetic drug precursors, specifically fentanyl, has established a company named "FIRSKY Corporation" in Nagoya, Japan, which is suspected to be a smuggling hub. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has officially launched an investigation into this matter [1][4]. Group 1 - The DEA is investigating the activities of the Chinese organization in Japan, focusing on the establishment of the FIRSKY Corporation and its role in directing illegal transactions from Japan [3][6]. - The investigation aims to uncover the flow of fentanyl precursors and the leadership structure of the organization, particularly the whereabouts of a Chinese national referred to as the "Japan Boss" [6][7]. - FIRSKY Corporation was established in June 2021 in Naha, Okinawa, and relocated to Nagoya in September 2022. The organization is believed to be involved in laundering money and disguising shipments related to fentanyl [7][6]. Group 2 - The DEA is collaborating with Japanese authorities and exchanging intelligence with Mexican officials to enhance the investigation, which may take a considerable amount of time across multiple countries [6][3]. - The organization is suspected of using virtual currencies for transactions and is under scrutiny for its shipping methods, claiming to send products internationally via Japan Post [6][4]. - U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has emphasized the importance of cooperation with Japan to prevent the transit and distribution of fentanyl precursors through the country [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the case of Chen Yiyi, a former executive of Hubei Amarvel Biotech, who was involved in an international drug trafficking operation, specifically related to fentanyl, and highlights the complexities of the organization behind it, including connections to Japan and a figure named Fengzhi Xia [1][8][26]. Group 1: Company Involvement - Hubei Amarvel Biotech was implicated in the illegal export of fentanyl precursors to the United States, playing a crucial role in the drug trafficking network [8][10]. - The company utilized various online platforms to sell dangerous drugs, employing at least 10 sales personnel who communicated in multiple languages to promote their illegal products [10][12]. - The organization employed sophisticated methods to disguise shipments, including altering labels to make them appear as legitimate goods, thus evading customs inspections [12][13]. Group 2: Key Individuals - Chen Yiyi served as a translator for her superior Wang Qingzhou and was responsible for designing the illegal drug sales website [3][8]. - Wang Qingzhou and Chen Yiyi were arrested in Fiji and charged with illegally exporting fentanyl precursors to the U.S. [3][8]. - Fengzhi Xia, identified as a key figure in the operation, was linked to multiple companies in China and was believed to be orchestrating the drug trafficking activities from Japan [15][18][22]. Group 3: Operational Tactics - The organization maintained a complex web of companies across Japan, China, and the U.S. to facilitate drug trafficking while avoiding detection [14][16]. - They promised a high success rate for shipments passing through U.S. customs, indicating a well-planned operation with multiple transit points [13][17]. - The use of Japan as a base for operations was strategic, leveraging the country's reputation for quality and lower scrutiny regarding drug-related crimes [22][23]. Group 4: Legal Proceedings - In January 2025, a jury found Chen Yiyi and others guilty, marking a significant legal action against the fentanyl trafficking network [8][25]. - Chen Yiyi's testimony revealed critical information about the organization, including the identity of the Japanese boss, which may have been an act of self-preservation [26].