International Drug Trafficking Network Targeted in Federal Indictment
A joint examination by teh Federal bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Governance (DEA), including the Tampa District office (“CHEMEX”) and the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, has led to a federal criminal indictment against guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co.,Ltd., Huang Xiaojun, huang Zhanpeng, and other individuals and companies. The indictment, announced today, alleges a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking in violation of Title 21 U.S. Code 846, stemming from their involvement in facilitating the flow of illicit drugs and cutting agents into the United States.The investigation, initiated in January 2024, centers on a network responsible for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl adulterants, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Evidence indicates that U.S.-based individuals involved in the conspiracy were sourcing products from China to increase drug yield, including nitazenes – a potent class of synthetic opioids – as well as the analgesic chemicals xylazine and medetomidine, and equipment for repackaging.
Authorities have observed a growing threat from these substances. A January 2024 DEA report highlighted the increasing trafficking and abuse of nitazenes due to their opioid-like effects, noting their high addiction potential and risk of fatal respiratory depression. Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug abuse reported in September 2024 an increase in the presence of xylazine, known as “tranq,” in the illicit drug supply. Tranq, a veterinary analgesic, is being used by traffickers as a cutting agent in synthetic opioids, and critically, does not respond to the overdose-reversing drug Narcan, substantially increasing the risk of overdose death.Despite awareness of the dangers, Guangzhou tengyue continued to sell these dangerous chemicals to American buyers. In August 2023, the company agreed to sell a kilogram of protonitazene to a U.S. buyer, assuring them of successful passage through U.S. customs.Advertisements for nitazenes and xylazine remained prominently displayed on the company’s website as recently as August 2024.
This new indictment follows a previous indictment unsealed in October 2024 in the Middle District of Florida against Guangzhou Tengyue and Huang Xiaojun, which did not deter the company’s operations.Sales representatives from guangzhou Tengyue continued to coordinate shipments of medetomidine to U.S. customers in early 2025.
Huang Zhanpeng, identified as the executive director and 50 percent shareholder of Guangzhou Tengyue, is also listed as the company’s legal representative. Huang Xiaojun, previously indicted alongside Guangzhou Tengyue, is the account holder for a bitcoin account used by the company in a 2023 attempt to sell controlled substances to a U.S. buyer.As a result,the Office of Foreign Assets control (OFAC) is designating Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co., Ltd. and Huang Xiaojun under Executive Order 14059 for their involvement in activities that materially contribute to, or pose a significant risk of contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs and their production.Huang Zhanpeng is also being designated by OFAC under the same Executive Order for providing support to Guangzhou Tengyue Chemical Co., Ltd.
