U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba today announced the launch of the Fentanyl Precursor Interception (FPI) Strike Force, a new federal initiative aimed at dismantling the international supply chains fueling the deadly fentanyl crisis.
The Strike Force will focus on investigating and prosecuting overseas chemical manufacturers, particularly those based in China, that are supplying Mexican drug cartels with the raw materials — or precursors — used to manufacture illicit fentanyl. Once synthesized in Mexico, the powerful synthetic opioid is trafficked into the United States, where it is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually.
“I am establishing this Strike Force to cut off the supply of chemical precursors that drug cartels rely on to manufacture deadly fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. “New Jersey is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, with a proven track record in prosecuting those who contribute to the opioid crisis. Our mission is simple but urgent: stop the poison before it crosses our borders, and hold foreign chemical suppliers accountable.”
The announcement comes amid sobering statistics. According to federal health data, fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 106,000 Americans in 2023 alone.
Cheryl Ortiz, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Field Division, praised the initiative. “We welcome United States Attorney Habba’s creation of the FPI Strike Force and look forward to partnering in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Every opportunity we have to disrupt the flow of fentanyl precursors into our communities is a chance to save lives.”
The Strike Force will leverage the District of New Jersey’s expertise in complex drug trafficking investigations and collaborate closely with the DEA, Homeland Security, and other federal partners. Together, they will pursue both domestic distributors and the foreign suppliers enabling the crisis.
According to federal officials, many fentanyl precursors are produced by China-based chemical companies, which legally manufacture and export the substances globally. Once shipped to Mexico, the chemicals are processed by drug cartels into fentanyl, which is then smuggled into the U.S. for street distribution.
The consequences have been catastrophic: a nationwide public health emergency, shattered families, and rising violence in communities overwhelmed by drug abuse.
“This is not just a drug problem — it’s a national security issue,” Habba said. “We will not sit by while foreign entities poison our people and profit from their suffering.”
The Strike Force is expected to begin operations immediately.