Trump brands fentanyl a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in drug war escalation

Order classifies opioid as potential chemical weapon amid administration’s attempts to combat drug smuggling

Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday designating fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction” – classifying the synthetic opioid not only a lethal drug, but as a potential chemical weapon.

The order also directs the Pentagon and justice department to take additional steps to combat production and distribution of the drug. The designation comes amid the administration’s use of escalating and increasingly militaristic tactics to combat drug smuggling.