FBI Indicts Dozens in International Fentanyl Cutting Agent Conspiracy

A federal grand jury in Dayton indicted dozens of defendants, including three U.S. citizens and 22 Chinese nationals associated with four Chinese pharmaceutical companies, in an international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy centered on fentanyl cutting agents. FBI Director Kash Patel described "Operation Box Cutter" as the first of its kind targeting the precursor substances used to increase fentanyl yield and potency, highlighting the role of Chinese companies masquerading as legitimate pharmaceutical businesses. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II stated that the Chinese companies knowingly marketed and exported controlled substances used by domestic drug dealers to boost fentanyl production, with shipments purchased by U.S. traffickers such as Eric Michael Payne from Tipp City, Ohio. The indictment charges all parties with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and money laundering, carrying potential sentences from 10 years to life. Prosecuting the Chinese nationals remains challenging due to lack of extradition agreements, but red notices will be issued to notify U.S. authorities if they leave China. The operation underscores the U.S. commitment to dismantling international fentanyl pipelines that have contributed to widespread overdose deaths.