Cuba has detained Zhi Dong Zhang, also known as Brother Wang. A Chinese national accused of being a major international fentanyl trafficker and money launderer. He had previously escaped house arrest in Mexico, where he was awaiting extradition to the US on money laundering charges. Interpol had issued a red notice for his capture in August, and Cuban authorities are now considering whether to deport or extradite him.
Zhang is alleged to have collaborated closely with Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Both of these organizations are labeled as foreign terrorists by Washington. Mexican officials describe him as a central figure in coordinating fentanyl transfers from China to Latin America, Europe, and the U.S.. Hence, he was considered as the operator of an extensive laundering network that moved at least $20 million through over 100 shell companies and accounts between 2020 and 2021.
The arrest occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S., Mexico, and China over the trafficking of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin and a key driver of the U.S. overdose crisis. Under pressure from former President Donald Trump, Mexico has intensified drug seizures to avoid punitive tariffs. Meanwhile Washington continues to target Chinese suppliers of fentanyl precursors.
Meantime, the U.S. military has escalated operations against alleged drug-smuggling vessels across Latin America, with recent strikes killing dozens. Despite Trump’s claims that these “narco subs” carry fentanyl, experts argue that such maritime routes are mainly used for cocaine trafficking to Europe, not fentanyl shipments to the U.S., which primarily flow through Mexico.
Overall, the case underscores growing international cooperation. Yet, there is tension around the global fentanyl trade, while highlighting Cuba’s unexpected role in the latest turn of events.
Reference
CBS News. (2025, October 23). Accused fentanyl kingpin wanted by U.S. and Mexico is arrested in Cuba months after escaping house arrest. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fentanyl-kingpin-brother-wang-arrested-cuba-wanted-us-mexico/