U.S. sanctions Chinese companies for selling illegal drug manufacturing equipment, including fentanyl, a 'zombie drug'

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The US Treasury Department announced on the 9th (local time) that it has added nine individuals and eight entities to its sanctions list related to the production of illegal drugs such as fentanyl, which is called a "zombie drug."

The sanctions include seven entities and six individuals based in China, and one Mexican entity and three individuals.

They were directly or indirectly involved in the sale of "pill presses" used to make illegal drugs look legitimate in the U.S., Mexico, and elsewhere, the Treasury Department said.

Among them, Glass Technology Development Co., Ltd. shipped pill press machines to individuals manufacturing illicit drugs in the United States, according to the Treasury Department.

Under Treasury Secretary Brian Nelson said, "Fentanyl-containing counterfeit drugs destroy thousands of American homes each year, and we are committed to using all of our power to counter the threat posed by drugs."

Nicknamed the "zombie drug," fentanyl was originally developed as a pain reliever, but it has become a major problem internationally due to its strong effectiveness and the fact that some people abuse it as a drug substitute and have led to a series of deaths.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in the United States said in a commentary posted on its website in response to a reporter's question, "The Chinese side strongly condemns the serious infringement of the legitimate rights and interests of relevant (Chinese) companies and individuals," and "the Chinese side will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals."

The embassy protested that the so-called "pill press" is "widely used in normal industrial production" and that "as is well known, it is the basic responsibility of the importing company and the obligation of the law of the importing government to ensure that international cargo is not used for illegal purposes in accordance with international customs and practices."

(Photo = U.S. Treasury Department press release capture, Yonhap News)