RCMP's new Synthetic Drug Initiative

The Canadian government recently announced the official launch of the RCMP’s Synthetic Drug Initiative. 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.

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 information may be of interest to all drug investigators and intelligence officers assigned to counterdrug operations. Included in the press release are contact details for the RCMP.