In the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, were heavily associated with the opium trade and the operation of opium dens. While not all Chinese immigrants were involved in this trade, opium use and sales became a prominent part of some Chinese communities, especially in places like San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Opium dens, often described as hidden and underground spaces, were typically run by Chinese men and became gathering places for smoking opium, These dens, sometimes adorned with red signs with Chinese calligraphy reading “PIPES AND LAMPS ALWAYS CONVENIENT”, served both Chinese and a growing white clientele, initially from the urban underworld and later from more “respectable” circles.
Opium use, initially a habit primarily among Chinese immigrants, became increasingly prevalent among the white population in the US by the 1870s and 1880s. This growing association, fueled by existing xenophobia and racism, contributed to a negative perception of Chinese immigrants, often leading to their criminalization. Discrimination and stereotypes: Anti-Chinese sentiment flourished during this period, stemming from economic competition, cultural differences, and outright discrimination against Chinese immigrants. Chinese laborers, often working for lower wages to support families back home and pay off debts, faced
resentment from non-Chinese workers. This, coupled with the association of Chinatowns with gambling, prostitution, and opium use, led to racist campaigns that portrayed Chinese immigrants as corrupting society.
Concerns about Chinese opium smoking were exploited by those who sought to restrict Chinese immigration. This anti-Chinese sentiment eventually culminated in the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which explicitly restricted immigration based on nationality and was not repealed until 1943.
Some Chinese crime organizations, known as Tongs, played a role in the illicit activities within Chinatowns, including the opium trade. Originally formed as benevolent associations to assist Chinese immigrants, some Tongs became involved in criminal enterprises like operating opium and gambling dens.
It’s important to remember that the narrative of Chinese immigrants and opium in the late 1800s is complex and multifaceted, entangled with issues of immigration, discrimination, and the social and economic conditions of the time.
Nearly 2 decades later, the war on drugs plays on. Leadership still tries to blame China, for opium, but the narrative shimmers to and fro, to include Afghan poppy fields, and now Latin American producers, shoppers and street dealers.
Somehow, these politically 
charged, police actions are oft times built upon a ting of racial animosity, leading to misdirected conclusions that never seek to point a finger at our own users, addicts and junkies, seeking the thrill of the high. Is it the enemy abroad, the enemy within, or 
the leadership, using both to maintain their power base. We criminalize, deport and incarcerate dealers and those found in possession, rather than develop mental, medical or diversionary programs to stem the desire to use.
Play ball.