OTTAWA — Health Canada says it has changed its rules for chemicals and equipment that can be used to make illegal drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The updates to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act include new requirements for companies to report suspicious purchases of these chemicals. Licensed businesses must also take reasonable steps to make sure the chemicals are not diverted to the illegal drug trade.
Health Canada says the changes also tighten the rules for selling some health products that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are ingredients sometimes used to make methamphetamine. The goal is to reduce the risk that these products end up on the illegal market.
The agency is also limiting access to drug-making equipment, such as pill presses, by requiring registration to import certain parts.
Many of the chemicals listed in Canada’s drug laws have legal uses, including in medicines, perfumes and flavouring. However, they can also be used to produce illegal drugs.
Health Canada says the new measures are meant to disrupt illegal drug production by criminal groups and give border officers more tools to stop the illegal import of drug-making equipment.
According to the government, most overdose deaths in Canada involve illegally made fentanyl. Police have also seen an increase in drugs being made inside Canada, as well as the illegal import and misuse of chemicals and equipment.
Health Canada says the rule changes will help reduce the supply of dangerous drugs in Canada and lower the risk that they are illegally shipped to other countries.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have a long history of being misused to make methamphetamine. While products containing these ingredients are legally sold as decongestants, Health Canada says some have also been promoted and sold for weight loss, energy and athletic performance.
