The order labels illicit fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction to deploy national security measures against cartels and foreign networks.
It directs the Attorney General to seek harsher charges, while State and Treasury target assets and banks involved in production and sales. Defense and Homeland Security will explore military aid and update smuggling response plans.
Fentanyl, 50 times stronger than heroin, enters mostly from Mexico using Chinese precursors and remains the leading killer for Americans aged 18-45.
