Sheinbaum Rejects New York Times' Fentanyl Lab Report

Following a report by The New York Times alleging that fentanyl was being synthesized in a kitchen in Sinaloa, President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly stated that Mexico does not tolerate foreign interference in its fight against the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs. She also criticized the article for misinforming the public and perpetuating unsubstantiated claims.

The New York Times reported that two of its journalists had entered a fentanyl production lab in Sinaloa. President Claudia Sheinbaum refuted the report’s claims, asserting that fentanyl cannot be synthesized in a domestic kitchen without professional ventilation or by individuals lacking specialized protective equipment, allegedly due to their "tolerance" to the lethal drug. “We all know that the production of fentanyl and opioids originates from pharmaceutical companies, not kitchen labs. If tolerance to this deadly substance were possible, the United States would not be experiencing such a high number of fentanyl-related deaths,” she added. 

Alejandro Svarch, Director, IMSS-Bienestar and former Head, COFEPRIS, also stated that the production of fentanyl as described is scientifically impossible. Svarch explained that the toxicity of fentanyl begins at just 0.2mg, equivalent to three or four small grains of salt. “Exposure to a potent synthetic opioid, even in minute quantities, whether by inhalation or mucosal contact, can result in life-threatening toxicity,” he noted. 

Sheinbaum criticized The New York Times for its history of contentious claims, citing past accusations during the 2006 presidential campaign of López Obrador regarding alleged illicit financing. “We must challenge these misleading narratives, such as the notion that fentanyl is being ‘cooked’ in homes in central Culiacan,” Sheinbaum stated.

In response, The New York Times defended its reporting. “Our journalists, at great personal risk, documented the scale and operations of these facilities. As dangerous as it is, the illicit synthesis of fentanyl in Mexico under improvised conditions, as observed by The Times, is well-documented. Independent journalism’s role is to depict the world as it truly is, shedding light on the truth for audiences worldwide,” the publication stated.