Fentanyl made in Canada by criminals is increasingly being shipped to international markets, according to a briefing note from Ottawa’s department of foreign affairs.
The Canada Border Service Agency has noted an increase in seizures of fentanyl precursor chemicals within Canada, said the briefing document. This, combined with “seizures of clandestine laboratories in Canada,” indicates that fentanyl is being produced in Canada, it said.
The memo also noted that since 2015, China has been the largest source country for illegal fentanyl and chemical precursors exported to Canada and North America. Following China’s increased restrictions on fentanyl and its analogues in May 2019, there has been an increase in fentanyl precursors being exported to other countries, it said.
“China continues to be listed as the main source country for a variety of precursor chemicals intended for the illegal production of drugs in Canada and some illegal drugs smuggled into Canada,” says the memo.
The briefing note said China has signalled its willingness to work with Canada on countering narcotics, but it has framed such cooperation as a “bilateral ask” that would require Canada to give concessions. Canada has yet to formally request a bilateral working group with China on the issue.
