Washington, December 16: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, estimated to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management. However, illegally manufactured fentanyl has driven a major drug crisis, particularly in the United States, where even a tiny dose can be fatal. It is often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge, sharply increasing the risk of overdose.
Former US President Donald Trump classified fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” while highlighting its devastating impact on public health and national security. He used the term to underscore the scale of deaths caused by the drug and to push for stricter border controls and tougher action against drug trafficking networks. Officials and experts say the remark reflects the unprecedented toll of fentanyl-related overdoses rather than a formal weapons classification, as governments continue efforts to curb its illegal production and distribution.
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