Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is primarily produced in clandestine laboratories, often located in China and Mexico. These laboratories produce fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, and even nasal sprays. These products are then smuggled into the United States and other countries through a variety of methods, including via mail, hidden in shipping containers, and even carried by individuals traveling across borders.

China has been identified as a major source of illicit fentanyl production, and the Chinese government has been criticized for not doing enough to crack down on the illegal manufacture and distribution of the drug. In recent years, however, the Chinese government has taken some steps to address the issue. For example, in 2019, China added all fentanyl-related substances to its list of controlled substances, making it illegal to manufacture, sell, or export these products without a license. China has also increased its efforts to intercept illicit shipments of fentanyl and other drugs, and it has worked to improve cooperation with other countries to combat drug trafficking.

Mexico is another major source of illicit fentanyl production, and the country has become a key transshipment point for the drug as it is smuggled into the United States. The vast majority of illicit fentanyl in the United States is believed to come from Mexico, often smuggled across the border by drug cartels or other criminal organizations. In recent years, the Mexican government has taken steps to address the issue, including increased law enforcement efforts and cracking down on the importation of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of fentanyl.

In addition to China and Mexico, other countries have also been identified as sources of illicit fentanyl production. For example, in 2018, a laboratory in Canada was found to be producing large quantities of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, which were then distributed throughout North America. In Europe, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with the drug often being produced in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland.

It is important to note, however, that not all fentanyl-related deaths are caused by illicitly manufactured forms of the drug. In some cases, individuals may obtain fentanyl through legitimate medical channels but then misuse or abuse the drug. For example, a person may be prescribed fentanyl for pain management, but then take more than prescribed, or crush the pills and snort them, leading to a potentially deadly overdose. In other cases, fentanyl may be unknowingly mixed with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, making it even more dangerous.

To combat the issue of fentanyl misuse and abuse, a number of strategies have been proposed. These include increasing law enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, improving access to addiction treatment and other harm reduction services for individuals who are struggling with opioid use disorder, and improving the regulation and oversight of prescription opioids to prevent diversion and misuse.

In conclusion, fentanyl is primarily produced in clandestine laboratories located in countries such as China and Mexico and is smuggled into the United States and other countries through a variety of methods. While efforts have been made to address the issue, including increased law enforcement efforts and improved cooperation between countries, the illicit manufacture and distribution of fentanyl remain a significant public health concern.