Media Release: CACP Drug Abuse Committee Endorses Bill S-225 - Calls for Regulation of Chemicals Used to Manufacture Fentanyl

04/20/16 - 04/20/17

Ottawa, ON – Public safety and health officials throughout Canada have raised alarms concerning continued increases in overdoses and deaths due to the illicit use of fentanyl. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) has stated that immediate action at the federal level is required to assist in preventing the unregulated manufacture, importation, exportation and distribution of precursor chemicals used in the illicit production of fentanyl.

For this reason, the CACP Drug Abuse Committee (DAC) supports Bill S-225 - An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (substances used in the production of fentanyl) which include Propionyl chloride, 1-Phenethyl-4-piperidone, Aniline,  4-Piperidone.

“Fentanyl highlights the destructive nature of illicit drugs and the tragic consequences that result. While the damage around fentanyl is in the realm we have never before seen, a collaborative multidisciplinary response remains the only solution. Education, prevention, intervention, treatment and enforcement efforts must equal the veracity with which this drug is hitting our communities. Each of these elements requires dedicated and committed resources and supportive legislation if we are to have an impact. Given the high societal cost and high profit margin, we need to take decisive action,” says Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux, member of the CACP Drug Abuse Committee. 

“By regulating the precursors used in the synthesis of fentanyl, this Bill will significantly enhance proactive enforcement efforts and give us the tools needed to cut domestic production and help prevent this crisis occurring in our communities.” 

Alberta Chiefs of Police have highlighted that domestic dealers bring in precursor chemicals, currently unregulated here in Canada, in order to manufacture fentanyl. Most recently, British Columbia has declared a public health emergency after fentanyl overdoses resulted in the deaths of 200 people in B.C. in three months. A recent report from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse indicates as many as 655 Canadians may have died between 2009 and 2014 as a result of fentanyl overdoses.

The CACP Drug Abuse Committee also highlights several public information campaigns to help inform and educate the public, media and police services on the issue of fentanyl overdoses. Included is ‘Know Your Source’ https://knowyoursource.ca which was developed by British Columbia public safety and health authorities and has resulted in partner programs in Alberta, Manitoba and by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, who recently launched their ‘Face The Fentanyl’ campaign: http://www.facethefentanyl.ca

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police was established in 1905 and represents approximately 1,000 police leaders from across Canada.  The Association is dedicated to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada. Through its member police chiefs and other senior police executives, the CACP represents in excess of 90% of the police community in Canada which include federal, First Nations, provincial, regional and municipal, transportation and military police leaders.

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For further information, please contact:    

Timothy M. Smith

Government Relations and Strategic Communications

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

Mobile: 613-601-0692  E: timsmith2000@rogers.com