China Cracks Down on Fentanyl Precursor Traffickers

China has arrested seven people and applied measures against 12 more in a campaign against fentanyl precursor traffickers, amid U.S. pressure. The Hubei province operation targeted the entire supply chain from production to export. China's legal actions come following U.S.-China trade talks and postponed visits over international tensions.

China has intensified its crackdown on traffickers of fentanyl precursor chemicals, arresting seven individuals and placing 12 more under 'criminal compulsory measures', state media reported on Thursday. This campaign comes after escalating pressure from the United States to combat the flow of these substances.

The measures mark China's first extensive legal action in years, coinciding with ongoing trade discussions with the U.S. The talks are aimed at preparing for a future summit between the leaders of China and the U.S. Initially scheduled around the end of the month, the summit was deferred by President Donald Trump due to tensions with Iran, although he indicated plans to visit Asia in five to six weeks.

The campaign, rolled out in Hubei province, targets the complete supply chain from production, storage, to exportation of these chemicals. Despite China's previous regulatory actions, the U.S. has accused Beijing of insufficient efforts, reviving tensions as tariff disputes linger. The crackdown is part of an agreement to address illicit drug networks, following a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping.

(With inputs from agencies.)