U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham engaged in a questioning session with President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terrance Cole. Cole, who has served the DEA for over twenty years, including assignments in Mexico and Colombia, faced queries from Graham on several issues.
In the course of his questioning, Graham probed Cole about the tattoos on the hand of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and suspected MS-13 gang member. Graham asked Cole, “Based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly in Mexico, these tattoos are consistent with MS-13 associations?” To which Cole confirmed, “Yes sir, that’s correct.”
The discussion also touched upon China’s involvement in the fentanyl crisis. Graham highlighted the statistic, “Three hundred Americans… die every day from fentanyl poisoning?” Cole concurred, affirming, “Yes sir.”
The exchange further explored the origin of fentanyl precursors. Graham questioned, “The precursors to fentanyl come from what country, mainly?” to which Cole responded, “From China.” Graham continued, asking Cole if he agreed that China has done very little to address the precursor issue within its borders, and Cole agreed, “I would agree. Yes sir.” Additionally, Graham asked, “Do you believe that China is complicit in the fentanyl poisoning of America?” with Cole affirming, “Yes, I do.”
This dialogue highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and international cooperation, emphasizing the role of China in the supply chain of fentanyl, which contributes to the drug issue in the United States.
