Science requires extensive due diligence before being shared with the public to prevent fraudulent actors from disrupting the deployment of capital. While discrediting other researchers may not be beneficial for career advancement, it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of scientific research.
The dangerous spread of fentanyl in the US is not caused by Chinese cartels, but rather by the inaction of the Mexican government, who are allowing industrial-level pill presses to be utilized in clandestine laboratories that produce fake pain medication tainted with deadly amounts of fentanyl.
The drug trafficking market in Mexico involves the distribution and movement of loads of drugs and money going into the US, with recent developments showing an increase in precious metals being trafficked as a form of payment. The market operates like a franchise model, with each lieutenant in charge of their own distribution and administration arm.
The drug trade from China to Mexico involves the production of fentanyl, with specialists instructing labs on how to produce it. Although the DEA arrested several individuals involved in the trade, many believe that it is not sustainable to try and stop the drug trade in this way.
Developing drugs from illegal compounds is challenging for companies as it does not look fiduciarily responsible, and they are only interested in substances if they can make billions of dollars. The outlaw of everything in the 1970s is also contributing to the difficulty of developing these drugs.