Mexican drug cartels are now recruiting university chemistry students to enhance fentanyl production, according to a New York Times investigation.
Fentanyl, responsible for 74,702 deaths in the US in 2023 alone, is a synthetic opioid notorious for its potency and addictive properties. To maintain their supply chains and increase product potency, cartels like the Sinaloa cartel are targeting young, skilled chemists to independently synthesize precursor chemicals traditionally imported from China.
Recruiters approach students with tempting offers, often after observing them for weeks. Promising salaries of over $800 per month—double the average pay for chemists in Mexican companies—along with potential bonuses like cars or housing, recruiters capitalize on the financial struggles of young professionals.
These “cooks” are tasked with improving fentanyl’s addictive quality and finding alternative synthesis methods to mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by stricter chemical export controls from China and pandemic-induced bottlenecks.
The Times interviewed seven drug “cooks,” three university chemistry students recruited by the Sinaloa cartel, two agents, a recruiter, and a university professor—all anonymously to avoid cartel retaliation. According to the recruiter, candidates must be passionate, discreet, and indifferent to the ethical consequences of their work. […]
— Read More: humanevents.com
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
