Why are drug dealers putting fentanyl in everything? (Part 1)

This episode of the Search Engine podcast delves into the troubling trend of drug dealers mixing fentanyl with other substances, even at the risk of harming their customers. It begins by tracing the history of fentanyl, from its origins as a hospital anesthetic to its mass production in China and smuggling into the U.S. by Mexican cartels. The discussion reveals that dealers initially added fentanyl to heroin unknowingly, aiming to boost potency and profits. Surprisingly, this tactic backfired as some users began to seek out the more potent and dangerous drug. The podcast also examines the impact of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, whose actions contributed to a widespread opioid addiction, inadvertently driving demand for fentanyl. Ultimately, it concludes that the seemingly irrational practice of mixing fentanyl into other drugs stems from the chaotic and unregulated nature of illicit drug markets, combined with the addictive qualities of these substances.