Fentanyl Epidemic (JamesTorelli)

The Fentanyl Epidemic is an umbrella-term for the increase in fentanyl-related crimes that peaked in the 2030s. The zeitgeist surrounding the epidemic was inspiration for numerous songs, movies and video-games, including the 2033 blockbuster video-game Grand Theft Auto: VII, set in a modern re-creation of New York City and southern Texas.

History
The Fentanyl Epidemic began in relatively small numbers in the late-2010s and early-2020s. Early in the epidemic, it generated little coverage aside from the occasional news article noting its increasing popularity.

Fentanyl began to rise in popularity after the process to manufacture it was drastically simplified in the late-2020s. The drug then spread like wildfire globally, with the Sinoloa Cartel and various partnering Chinese criminal organizations at the helm of its production.

It declined in popularity after tighter restrictions were imposed in the United States and other first world nations, though it still retained popularity well into the late 21st century.

Drug Syndicates
The chief manufacturer and smuggler of fentanyl was the Sinaloa Cartel of Mexico, who partnered heavily with Chinese crime organizations.

Rival gang involvement in the fentanyl trade include the American Mafia and Hell's Angels.

The Lancellotti Crime Family worked as illegal subcontractors for various fentanyl drug syndicates.

Aftermath
The Fentanyl Epidemic caused many anti-drug campaigns and organizations to form, though many privately-operated campaigns were unsuccessful. It also caused an event dubbed as the Second War on Drugs, led by the United States and Mexico.

In Popular Culture
The Fentanyl Epidemic was responsible for the creation of many songs, movies and video-games, and a contributing factor to the "disorderly" reputation of the 2030s. Many popular musicians referenced fentanyl in their music, which further led to the ongoing generational rifts and conservative backlash to the lyrics and themes of the music.

The Fentanyl Epidemic was romanticized in the 2033 video-game Grand Theft Auto VII, which centered around an up-and-coming Mexican crook part of a ruthless cartel, who goes from rags to riches and eventually builds an empire from selling fentanyl in a fictionalized rendition of New York City and southern Texas.