According to the US government, less than a decade ago, the supply of illicit drugs was dominated by plant-based drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or illicit synthetic stimulants, like methamphetamine. These drugs were produced in crude labs, packaged, and then moved into the US through an illicit production and distribution process managed by established, hierarchical drug trafficking organizations.

Today, the drugs most responsible for killing Americans are illicit synthetic opioids like fentanyl and its analogues, which are easier to produce and transport and also significantly more lethal. The nature of these drugs, and their ease of access and potency, presents a national security, public safety, and public health threat.  While the old trafficking structures still exist, the producers and traffickers of these illicit synthetic drugs now regularly exploit lawful global commercial distribution networks to sustain and enhance their illicit business.

Our expert panel from Homeland Security Investigations will discuss the fentanyl epidemic, its impact on the South Florida region, and related illicit financial activity.

Speakers include: 

• Homeland Security Investigations-Miami
• Brian Davis, Director, Cross-Border Financial Crime Center, Homeland Security Investigations