In brief
Over a decade of conflict with drug cartels, America’s War on Drugs has struggled to keep pace with new synthetic substances. Congress under Trump classified cartels as “terrorists” and marked fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Yet the arsenal is expanding with powerful animal tranquilizers known as “tranq,” turning into deadly street drugs. In Columbus, Ohio, church leaders and community organizers are at the frontlines, pairing education with outreach to curb demand and aid recovery.
America has been fighting the War on Drugs for decades, but cartels, suppliers and dealers seem to stay one step ahead of authorities.
President Trump declared cartels “terrorists” and labelled fentanyl, the powerful synthetic opioid, as a “weapon of mass destruction.”
The drug supply is changing, with other especially potent synthetics—animal tranquilizers known on the streets as “tranq”—joining the mix.
While overdose deaths are falling, recovery workers worry that the newfound potency of these drugs threatens communities. Some say the answer lies in reducing demand, giving users support and helping them end addiction.
BBC international correspondent Quentin Sommerville and camera journalist Darren Conway travelled to Columbus, Ohio, to learn how churches are stepping up the fight.
Read the related story: A wave of homemade, synthetic drugs sweeps US and deepens crisis.
