Responses to Questions for the Record Regina LaBelle, Acting Director Office of National Drug Control Policy following hearing entitled, “The Federal Response to the Drug Overdose Epidemic” July 20, 2021 Questions from Senator Whitehouse 1. I am deeply concerned about the presence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply, as over 70 percent of drug overdose deaths in Rhode Island in 2020 involved illicit fentanyl. During your testimony, you noted that ONDCP is working with China to address the manufacture and sale of precursor chemicals used to produce illicit fentanyl. You further indicated that ONDCP is collaborating with Mexico to reduce trafficking across the border as well as to dismantle labs used to manufacture illegal drugs. • Please describe the specific bilateral actions ONDCP has and is taking with its Chinese counterparts to reduce the flow of precursor chemicals to Mexican drug cartels. • Given that Chinese precursor chemicals enter Mexico through Pacific ports, beyond informational exchanges, what steps is ONDCP taking to assist the Mexican government with its efforts to bolster port security? • How is ONDCP supporting the Mexican government in its efforts to dismantle clandestine fentanyl labs? What metrics does ONDCP employ to determine if these steps are effective? • Does the administration need additional authorities or resources to curtail the flow of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl? RESPONSE: Addiction and the overdose epidemic has taken a heartbreaking toll on far too many Americans and their families. That is why the Biden-Harris Administration is moving urgently on a holistic, balanced approach that prioritizes expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction; as well as stopping the flow of illicit substances into and within the United States. Within the U.S.-China relationship, cooperation in counter-narcotics has been a bright spot. In 2019, this close coordination resulted in China’s class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. Today, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is collaborating with the U.S. Department of State and other partners to further address the flow of precursors from China. In partnership with the Department of State, ONDCP supports coordination efforts with Canada
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