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Health Canada has announced revised regulations regarding precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used to manufacture illegal synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Changes to regulations under the Controlled Substances Act include requiring reporting of suspicious transactions involving precursors and requiring licensed companies to take “reasonable steps” to prevent diversion of chemicals.
A statement from Health Canada says the changes expand the conditions for sale of certain health products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to minimize the risk of diversion to the illicit market.
The agency said it is also reducing the availability of drug manufacturing equipment, such as pill presses, and requiring import registration of certain components.
Canada's drug laws list dozens of chemicals, most of which are used legally as medicines, flavorings and flavorings, and are also considered precursors to illegal drug manufacturing.
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Health Canada said the new measures are aimed at deterring criminal organizations from producing illegal drugs and ensuring border enforcement has the means to stop the illegal importation of drug manufacturing equipment.
A summary of the new regulations says most overdose deaths in Canada involve illegally manufactured fentanyl, and police are noticing an increase in illegal domestic manufacturing and illegal importation and diversion of chemical materials and equipment.
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“The proposed amendments will help deter domestic illegal drug production by organized crime groups and will not only reduce the risk that these harmful drugs will be present in Canada, but will also reduce the risk that they will be illegally exported to other countries,” the summary says.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are two precursors with a well-established history of misuse and diversion into the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.
Health Canada says there is evidence that natural health products and over-the-counter medicines containing these precursors, which are approved for sale as nasal decongestants, are often promoted and sold to consumers who want to improve athletic performance, lose weight and increase energy.
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