The Synthetic Drug Initiative, the first Canadian drug strategy to specifically focus on a single class of drugs, is an RCMP-led program designed to eliminate the production and distribution of illegal synthetic drugs in Canada, and reduce the overall influence of organized crime on drug trafficking in Canada.
“The announcement once again demonstrates our commitment to taking action in the fight against organized crime and the drug trade. This Government continues to give law enforcement the tools they need to make our communities safe,” said Minister Van Loan. “The production, trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.”
Canada has been identified as a source country of illegal synthetic drugs with organized crime groups playing a leading role in this expanding trade. These groups continue to profit from chemical diversion, synthetic drug production and the trafficking of these substances. The Synthetic Drug Initiative targets the illicit synthetic drug industry on three fronts; enforcement, deterrence and prevention. It also aims to inhibit the diversion of precursor chemicals from foreign and domestic sources.
“As a component on the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the Synthetic Drug Initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to eradicating the illicit drug trade in Canada,” stated Minister Nicholson.“Our Government recognizes that illegal drugs undermine healthy and safe communities, fuel organized crime and foster street-level gangs. That is why we have implemented the National Anti-Drug Strategy with a view to reducing the supply of and demand for illegal drugs, as well as addressing the crime associated with these drugs.”
“This new Initiative will build on what we have already accomplished through the National Anti-Drug Strategy,” said M. Petit. “It will help get illegal drugs and those who make or deal them off our streets, out of our communities and away from our school-grounds.”
Synthetic drugs including MDMA, or ecstasy as it is more commonly known, and methamphetamine have become increasingly popular among Canadian youth. Their illegal production in facilities that are not properly ventilated, or where the equipment being used is not appropriate, is dangerous. Both drugs (particularly methamphetamine) can lead to addiction and their use can lead to serious health effects and even death.
“This Initiative is a critical step in the coordinated fight against the serious dangers to public health and safety posed by the illegal production of synthetic drugs and their widespread trafficking across Canada,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “Health Canada is committed to working with our federal partners and stakeholders to eliminate the diversion of chemicals used in synthetic drug production to illicit markets, and the illegal movement of controlled substances like methamphetamine and ecstasy,” added Minister Aglukkaq.
Recognizing this challenge, the RCMP is taking action by committing funding received through the National Anti-Drug Strategy while also re-allocating existing resources to fight the illicit synthetic drug industry. These funds have been strategically allocated to a number of programs across Canada and internationally and have allowed the RCMP to modernize its chemical diversion program. New funding has also allowed for the hiring of new personnel and improved training and awareness initiatives.
Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing for the RCMP Raf Souccar noted, “The negative impacts of organized crime and illicit drugs affect Canadians every day socially and financially. Through the Synthetic Drug Initiative, the RCMP is taking new steps to target the criminals responsible, while working with our partners across all levels of government in an effort to keep Canadians safe.”
The Synthetic Drug Initiative is one of several ways the RCMP is fulfilling its responsibilities as outlined in the National Anti-Drug Strategy. The National Anti-Drug Strategy is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada and includes three action plans: preventing illicit drug use; treating those with illicit drug dependencies; and combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
