Chinese Fentanyl Kingpin Extradited to US After Global Escape Attempt

Zhi Dong Zhang, known as "Brother Wang," a Chinese drug lord accused of trafficking massive quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines, has been extradited to the United States after a complex international escape attempt. Initially arrested and placed under house arrest in Mexico, Zhang escaped using a fake passport and fled to Cuba, then attempted to enter Russia, but was detained and returned to Cuba before being handed back to Mexican authorities. He is alleged to have worked closely with powerful Mexican cartels such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, moving precursor chemicals and laundering over $150 million annually. His extradition highlights intensified U.S. efforts under President Donald Trump to combat fentanyl trafficking and Latin American drug cartels, which have been declared terrorist organizations. Cuba's decision to extradite Zhang to Mexico, and subsequently to the U.S., marks the conclusion of a high-profile manhunt involving multiple countries. Zhang faces federal charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering in the U.S., with investigations revealing his central role linking China and Mexican criminal networks.