China has been the largest source of both legal supplies of the drug as well as illicit supplies of precursor chemicals, which are processed in Mexico before being smuggled to the US. According to a 2025 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) report published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,

New Delhi, Washington D.C.: When the new boss of America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, sat down with Joe Rogan for an episode of his ultra-popular podcast, he did not hold back. He was neither cryptic nor vague. He dropped bombs that echo across borders.

FBI Director Kash Patel discusses collaboration with India to counter a China-backed fentanyl trafficking network, detailing operations and the geopolitical implications of the drug crisis during The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.