Frequently asked questions.

Why are we seeing more laced drugs in Canada?

The opioid crisis in Canada requires a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes increasing access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, implementing harm reduction strategies, enhancing drug-checking services, and holding accountable those who profit from the sale of laced drugs. By addressing the root causes of laced drug distribution and consumption, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier community for all.

The increase in laced drugs can be attributed to the following:

  1. Organized crime in Canada is increasing. The influx of precursor chemicals coming into Canada is making it easier for synthetic drugs to be made in Canada. We are now seeing excess drugs being shipped outside of Canada. 

  2. Increased demand for illicit drugs, leading to a proliferation of drug suppliers looking to maximize their profits. The use of additives such as fentanyl and other potent substances allows dealers to stretch their supply and increase its potency, creating a more addictive product.

  3. An increase in the importation of precursor chemicals makes it easy to manufacture and distribute synthetic drugs. 

  4. High-profit margins are attracting organized crime. 

  5. Increase in online sales of illegal fentanyl and synthetic opioids. 

  6. An increase in the demand for “pill pressors.”  Pill pressors make it easier to make pills from chemicals to sell.

The current overdose emergency, driven primarily by a rapid increase in the use of fentanyl and other powerful illegal opioid drugs, has led to an unprecedented number of overdose deaths.

Source:  Public Safety Canada. Fifth Law Enforcement Roundtable on Drugs. September and October 2021. Trace the Lace Vision:

At Trace the Lace, our multifaceted approach prioritizes immediate access to addiction services with some harm reduction strategies and holding those accountable for selling laced drugs that lead to death.

Why do we need a centralized Federal-level intake team where all drug overdose deaths are immediately investigated and traced to the source? 

  1. Regional police agencies have different approaches to how they respond to overdose deaths.

  2. A federal-level intake team could potentially investigate, charge, and trace the source of the laced drugs that caused death. By going to the source, we can reduce the supply of laced drugs in Canada. 

  3. Having funds allocated to one agency makes economic sense and consistency in policies and procedures.

FACT: A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal has found that death rates among our youth doubled in Canada between 2019 and 2021. One in every four deaths among young adults between the ages of 20 and 39 is caused by opioid overdoses.

Source: Article by Kenyan Wallace- Toronto Star- April 15, 2024.