Government of Canada takes further action to combat fentanyl production and organized crime
Statement
February 28, 2025 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
The Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Minister of Public Safety, and the Fentanyl Czar today announced new measures to curtail fentanyl production and organized crime in Canada. The government formalized additional controls for three fentanyl precursor chemicals and the drug carisoprodol, following consultations on implementing these key controls.
We are sending a clear signal to organized crime – anyone found producing or trafficking these substances will face criminal penalties. This quick action demonstrates our commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and keeping communities safe on both sides of the border.
These actions strengthen our existing robust controls on substances linked to the illegal drug market and help ensure law and border enforcement have the tools they need to combat fentanyl production and stop precursor chemicals before they can be used to manufacture toxic drugs sold on our streets.
Effective February 27, these chemicals have been temporarily emergency scheduled. Controls for phenethyl bromide and carisoprodol will come into effect on April 14, 2025, and controls for propionic anhydride and benzyl chloride will come into effect on May 29, 2025.
Questions about how to access propionic anhydride, benzyl chloride, and phenethyl bromide for legitimate use should be directed to precursors-precurseurs@hc-sc.gc.ca. Questions about how to access carisoprodol for legitimate use should be directed to cds-sdc@hc-sc.gc.ca.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
The Honourable David McGuinty, P.C., M.P.
Kevin Brosseau, Canada's Fentanyl Czar
Associated Links
- Order Amending Schedule V to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Fentanyl Precursors and Carisoprodol)
- Order Amending Part III of the Schedule to Part J of the Food and Drugs Regulations (Carisoprodol)
- Controlled substances and precursor chemicals
- List of class exemptions and related guidance
Contacts
Callum Haney
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
343-576-4407
Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable David J. McGuinty
Minister of Public Safety
Alice.Hansen@ps-sp.gc.ca
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
Privy Council Office
613-957-5420
mediacentre@pco-bcp.gc.ca