Chinese man accused of importing chemicals for fentanyl

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — A Chinese national allegedly imported what prosecutors say is one of the largest shipments of fentanyl precursors into the United States.

Minsu Fang, 48, aka “Fernando,” has been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for the purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import a controlled substance, and conspiracy to export a controlled substance.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Fang and his associates shipped over 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China into the United States and then into Mexico.

Between August and October 2023, the group allegedly sent approximately 100 separate shipments. Prosecutors say they avoided detection by declaring minimal values allowing them to be admitted into the United States without a detailed inspection.

If convicted, Fang faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count, as well as a $10 million fine. He will be sentenced at a later date.

According to the release, the DEA and HSI investigated the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Heather Rae Winter for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

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