Alleged Chinese Fentanyl Kingpin Extradited From Cuba to US: Mexico Govt

Mug shot of alleged fentanyl kingpin Zhang Zhidong when he arrested in Mexico on July 11, 2025. Image via the government of Mexico.

A Chinese citizen accused of trafficking fentanyl has been extradited from Cuba to the United States, according to the Mexican government, which helped facilitate the transfer.

Zhi Dong Zhang — known as “Brother Wang” — escaped house arrest in Mexico in July and was transferred into US custody, according to Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.