United States Drug Enforcement Administration

The vast majority of drugs entering Chicago and the surrounding area, including fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances (FRS), heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, continue to be smuggled across the United States–Mexico border. Availability and abuse of these drugs is high, with opioids being the most prevalent in major cities and methamphetamine in rural areas. The primary organizational threats within the CFD are Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs)—often referred to as cartels— that distribute illicit drugs through trusted intermediaries to local street gangs for retail sale.