Trump policies could fuel illicit drug trade despite vow to curb fentanyl

Coercive' tariffs and federal funding cuts could worsen flow of illicit drugs into US, ex-government officials warn

Donald Trump's policies could leave the US more vulnerable to dangerous synthetic drug trafficking from abroad, even as the administration has vowed to stop fentanyl from entering the country, former government officials say.

This week, Trump imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, ostensibly as a tactic to stem the flow of illicit drugs into the US.