A report by The New York Times (NYT) reveals the recruitment of university chemistry students by the Sinaloa Cartel for fentanyl production, sparking a wide debate on the issue. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the topic during her morning conference, further fueling the digital conversation and turning the series ‘Breaking Bad’ into a trend.
What did The New York Times reveal about the Mexican ‘Breaking Bad’?
The NYT published an extensive investigation highlighting how the Sinaloa Cartel has begun recruiting chemistry students to manufacture fentanyl. According to the report, these young recruits are trained to develop stronger fentanyl and create precursor chemicals previously imported from China.
The Times revealed that for their investigation, they interviewed seven fentanyl “cooks,” three chemistry students, two high-ranking operators, and one senior recruiter. Sources indicated that this strategy aims to make cartels independent from international supply chains, marking a new phase in the production of this dangerous substance.
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The NYT report included alarming testimonies from chemistry students recruited by the cartel. According to the newspaper, some of them conduct experiments to enhance the drug’s potency, while others work directly in clandestine laboratories.
A chemistry professor in Sinaloa also stated that he has identified students enrolling in his classes solely to acquire skills for working in such illegal operations.
A new recruitment model
The use of university talent for drug production reflects a worrying shift in cartel strategies. By employing trained personnel, criminal groups not only optimize their production but also reduce their dependence on external suppliers.
This practice endangers the lives of the recruited students and poses a greater challenge for Mexican authorities, who must strengthen surveillance around clandestine laboratories and universities.
A unique aspect of this recruitment is that the cartel offers well-paid jobs to young people, recruiting them voluntarily rather than forcing them into criminal work. With this model, they seek to operate like a regular company: attracting and retaining talent.
The Sinaloa Cartel’s primary concern is maintaining a low profile amid measures implemented by U.S. authorities to combat their criminal actions.
What did Claudia Sheinbaum say about the NYT report?
In her morning conference, Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she has no information confirming such practices in Mexico. “The only thing I’ve seen is a U.S. television series that glorifies this. I watched a few episodes, not the whole thing, to be honest. Maybe they got the idea from there, right? Because we don’t have information, and in any case, I’d advise chemistry students not to get involved in that,” she remarked.
Although she didn’t mention it by name, Mexico’s president was referring to Breaking Bad, the series about a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer, suggesting the report might have been inspired by this narrative.
The president strongly emphasized that the opioid crisis in the United States is the result of irresponsible pharmaceutical practices. “There are documents showing how some pain medications that use opioids initiated this terrible crisis,” she affirmed. She also noted that Mexico has not yet faced such a severe addiction problem as the U.S. or Canada but reiterated the need to prevent the situation from escalating.
Sheinbaum also highlighted bilateral agreements between Mexico and the United States to combat fentanyl production and trafficking, stressing the importance of strengthening prevention campaigns.
What is Breaking Bad about?
Considered by many critics as the greatest series of all time, Breaking Bad has captivated audiences worldwide.
The show follows the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer. To secure his family’s financial future, Walter partners with a former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), to manufacture and sell methamphetamine.
What begins as a desperate act evolves into a dark and dangerous journey as Walter delves deeper into the criminal world, adopting the alias “Heisenberg.”
How many seasons does Breaking Bad have?
Breaking Bad comprises five seasons, aired between 2008 and 2013, with a total of 62 episodes.
- Season 1 (2008): 7 episodes
- Season 2 (2009): 13 episodes
- Season 3 (2010): 13 episodes
- Season 4 (2011): 13 episodes
- Season 5 (2012-2013): 16 episodes, divided into two parts
Currently, you can enjoy Breaking Bad on Netflix.
Complete cast
- Bryan Cranston as Walter White / Heisenberg
- Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman
- Anna Gunn as Skyler White
- Dean Norris as Hank Schrader
- Betsy Brandt as Marie Schrader
- RJ Mitte as Walter White Jr.
- Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman
- Giancarlo Esposito as Gus Fring
- Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut