Canada is implementing new restrictions on chemicals that are often used to manufacture illegal drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. The amendments address the national crisis of increasing overdose deaths associated with these substances. They seek to limit the increasing illegal domestic drug manufacturing that law enforcement and agencies have been pointing to.
Today, the Canadian government’s drug laws apply to hundreds of different chemicals. Many of these substances do have legitimate uses in the pharmaceutical industry, fragrances and flavoring agents, but they increased use as precursor for cooking fentanyl and other illegal narcotics. Among those chemicals catching the spotlight are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have known histories of diversion for methamphetamine production.
Recently released numbers confirm that the majority of overdose deaths in Canada now include fentanyl that is illegally made. This worrisome trend has raised increased public safety concerns. Going on two decades, law enforcement leaders have been alarmed by a growing trend — the domestic production of illicit narcotics. They have found evidence of surging illegal importation of chemical precursors and production gear.
Health Canada went on to stress the significance of these regulatory changes by saying,
“The amendments will help disrupt illegal domestic drug production by organized crime groups, not only decreasing the risk that these harmful drugs are present in Canada, but also decreasing the risk that they would be illegally exported to other countries.” – Health Canada summary
The opposing amendments would primarily divert federal resources to fight organized crime’s stranglehold on the drug trade. Simultaneously, they work to ensure that the bad news associated with PFAS does not hinder legitimate chemical use across industries. The government aims to create a safer environment by limiting access to substances that can easily be diverted for illegal purposes.
Experts rank these new regulations as top contenders to make a real difference in the supply of precursors that feed illegal drug manufacturing. Federal authorities are trying to reassert control over these harmful chemicals. Their aim is to starve the manufacturing enterprises linked to organized crime.
As we continue to go through the escalating crisis of opioids, these steps are an encouraging move towards keeping Canadians safe and healthy. Law enforcement agencies are optimistic that these changes will facilitate a decrease in both local drug production and the subsequent distribution of harmful substances across borders.
