A Chinese National Accused of Being a Fentanyl Kingpin Goes on Trial in New York

A 1-kilogram block of fentanyl (left) and fentanyl pills (right). (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Media Library)

[People News] The U.S. Federal Court in Brooklyn, New York, held an arraignment on Wednesday (Nov. 19) for Zhi Dong Zhang (phonetic spelling), a Chinese national whom the U.S. Department of Justice considers one of the world’s most serious drug traffickers. The Justice Department said Zhang has been charged with multiple crimes, including conspiracy to internationally distribute cocaine, international distribution of cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine (crystal meth), as well as money laundering. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment.

According to a VOA report, Zhang, age 38, is a Chinese citizen and uses multiple aliases, including “Brother Wang.” A Justice Department press release issued Wednesday states that Zhang is suspected of leading a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating in Mexico and the United States. The Justice Department has designated him as a “Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT),” a classification typically reserved for the world’s most serious drug traffickers.

Zhang was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States on October 23, 2025, after extradition requests were filed in the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia. He was later ordered detained pending trial. On October 24, 2025, he made his initial court appearance in the Southern District of Texas.

According to court documents, since June 2016, the drug-smuggling and money-laundering ring led by Zhang has trafficked thousands of kilograms of narcotics to the United States and other countries, including cocaine and methamphetamine. Law enforcement has repeatedly seized drugs linked to the organization, including 46 kilograms of cocaine, 58 kilograms of methamphetamine, and nearly 7 kilograms of fentanyl. In addition, Zhang and members of his organization laundered millions of dollars in drug proceeds by setting up and using shell companies in the United States. Authorities have identified more than 100 shell companies tied to Zhang’s organization, which were used to launder at least $77 million in drug profits.

If convicted, Zhang could face life in prison. However, local U.S. media reported that during his arraignment on Wednesday, Zhang pleaded not guilty to all charges. After the hearing, his attorney declined to comment.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said Wednesday, “The indictments he (Zhang) faces in the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia will hold him accountable for the enormous harm he has caused.”

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd W. Blanche stated, “His extradition to the United States is an important step in dismantling a network that fuels addiction, violence, and death.”

Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said that although Zhang’s alleged transnational drug-trafficking network was intricate, tightly organized, and well-funded, diligent work by law enforcement agencies and cooperation from international partners have cut off Zhang’s drug-supply channels.

According to the Justice Department press release, the charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

△