Mexico faces dire medical fentanyl shortage despite being top illegal producer [Video]

• Mexico is facing a significant shortage of fentanyl for medical use, a report released by the country’s government said Friday.
• While no reason for the shortage was given, the National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions labeled it a worldwide problem.
• Despite Mexico’s lack of fentanyl authorized for use as an anesthetic, nearly two tons of the drug are seized annually from cartels selling it illegally.

A report released by the Mexican government Friday says the country is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use, even as Mexican cartels pump out tons of the illicit narcotic.

The paradox was reported in a study by Mexico’s National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions. The study did not give a reason for the shortage of the synthetic opioid, which is needed for anesthesia in hospitals, but claimed it was a world-wide problem.

The commission said fentanyl had to be imported, and that imports fell by more than 50% between …