Canada’s fentanyl czar lays out his goal: Stop the drug from crossing U.S. northern border

Canada’s newly appointed fentanyl czar, Kevin Brosseau, has a clear goal in mind – to completely eliminate the smuggling of the deadly opioid fentanyl south into the United States. Brosseau, a former senior Mountie, emphasized the urgency of this mission during a press conference on his first official day in the position.

Brosseau stressed the importance of reducing the flow of fentanyl across the border, citing the devastating consequences of even small amounts of the drug making their way into the U.S. He highlighted the public safety and security crisis posed by fentanyl and emphasized the need for a focused effort to eradicate it from both countries.

During a visit to a Canada Border Services Agency port of entry facility in Lansdowne, Ont., Brosseau witnessed firsthand the measures in place to detect and intercept illegal goods, including fentanyl. He expressed his commitment to intensifying efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and work closely with U.S. counterparts to tackle the issue.

Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is a major concern for both countries, with U.S. President Donald Trump raising the issue as a justification for imposing tariffs. While the amount of fentanyl seized at the northern border is relatively small compared to the southwestern border, the impact of the drug on American communities is significant.

Brosseau’s role as fentanyl czar involves coordinating efforts to disrupt and dismantle the fentanyl trade, with a focus on collaboration with law enforcement agencies and officials on both sides of the border. He plans to engage with high-ranking U.S. officials to bolster cooperation and address the crisis posed by fentanyl.

With over 20 years of experience in the RCMP and a background in national security and intelligence, Brosseau is well-equipped to lead the charge against fentanyl smuggling. His appointment was part of a larger effort to strengthen border security and combat illegal drugs and migrants, as outlined in a conversation between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump.

As Brosseau and his team work to tackle the fentanyl crisis, the Canadian government is also considering listing Mexican cartels as terrorists, in line with agreements made with the U.S. to address security concerns. Despite looming threats of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, Canada remains committed to enhancing border security and combating illicit activities.

In conclusion, Brosseau’s appointment as fentanyl czar marks a significant step towards eradicating the scourge of fentanyl and strengthening collaboration between Canada and the United States in addressing the opioid crisis. By leveraging his expertise and forging partnerships with key stakeholders, Brosseau aims to make a tangible impact in reducing the flow of fentanyl across the border.