Drug precursors the new ‘primary threat’ entering Canada as fentanyl imports drop

The shift in criminal networks towards domestic production of fentanyl and other opioids has prompted a change in focus for law enforcement at Canada’s borders. The emphasis is now on detecting and intercepting the chemicals used to manufacture these deadly drugs, known as precursors.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has reported that over 47,000 Canadians have died from toxic drug overdoses since 2016, with four out of every five accidental overdose deaths involving fentanyl. This shift towards manufacturing opioids in Canada began around 2019, after the Chinese government tightened regulations on the production and export of fentanyl.

Organized crime groups have now turned to importing and smuggling the chemicals necessary for producing fentanyl and other opioids. These precursors pose a significant threat to Canadians, as they are the key ingredients in the deadly drugs. Dan Anson, the director general of the Canada Border Services Agency’s intelligence and investigations directorate, highlighted the challenges of detecting unregulated precursors at the border, emphasizing the need for advanced technology to identify these chemicals.

In response to the growing threat, the Canadian government has announced a $1.3 billion plan to secure the Canada-U.S. border and combat the influx of precursors. This includes using artificial intelligence and imaging tools to aid law enforcement in detecting these chemicals. The government also plans to reduce the processing time for banning precursors and establish a new Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit within Health Canada to assist in intercepting these substances.

Jennifer Pelley, a director with Health Canada’s controlled substances and overdose directorate, clarified that all the chemicals essential for producing fentanyl are illegal in Canada. While some precursors may have dual uses, the government is focused on regulating the essential building blocks necessary for manufacturing the deadly drugs.

Organized crime groups have attempted to bypass regulations through a method known as “chemical masking,” where precursors are broken down into pre-precursors to evade detection. Health Canada remains vigilant in staying ahead of these tactics by predicting all possible ways precursors can be manipulated.

Anson revealed that nearly 100% of the precursors seized at the Canadian border originate from China. While criminals use various methods to smuggle these chemicals into the country, Anson stressed the importance of remaining vigilant across all entry points.

As technology continues to evolve, Anson warned that organized crime groups could leverage artificial intelligence to circumvent regulations. Staying ahead of criminal networks and their tactics requires constant adaptation and learning from past seizures to develop effective targeting strategies.

The government’s efforts to regulate precursors and intercept them at the border demonstrate a commitment to combating the opioid crisis and protecting Canadians from the devastating effects of fentanyl and other opioids. By staying vigilant and employing advanced technologies, law enforcement aims to disrupt the flow of these dangerous chemicals and prevent further loss of life due to opioid overdoses.