Good morning, Mr. Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to speak to the committee this morning.
As we are well aware, there has been a staggering increase in opioid overdoses in Canada, both lethal and non-lethal, which is the reason that this issue must be treated as a crisis. Canada and the U.S. have been facing a similar crisis related to the abuse of opioids causing a large incidence of overdoses. As such, the U.S. has had the most fatal overdoses from opioids in the world while Canada follows in second place.
The increase in overdoses and fatalities linked to opioid abuse can be associated with the diversion of licit pharmaceutical opioids as well as with the increased availability and access to illicit opioids such as the fentanyls. The highly potent nature of synthetic opioids is well documented; in particular, fentanyl is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. The mere exposure to it, whether it is via inhalation of air-borne powder or absorption through the skin, can result in serious and life-threatening consequences.
Since 2010, seizures of illicit fentanyl have been made all across the country, and this continues to increase. Important seizures continue to be made on a regular basis in areas of the country, such as British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, where high numbers of overdoses are also being reported regularly.
The current upsurge in illicit fentanyl is expanding geographically, facilitated by known organized crime groups and local drug trafficking networks. The constant demand has promoted the illicit importation of several analogues to fentanyl. For decades, Canada-based organized crime networks and drug traffickers have produced illicit synthetic drugs in both powder and tablet forms. Illicit fentanyl has been accessed as a replacement to conventional drugs of abuse, as well as used as an additive to other drugs, often without the user's knowledge.
Fentanyl is a significant concern, but the illicit opioid market is evolving at an alarming rate. As a primary example, in December 2015, a substance known as W-18 emerged in Canada, in what was thought to be a fentanyl seizure. Also imported from abroad, it was reported that W-18 is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and known to be fatal in very small doses.
Investigations and intelligence reports indicate that British Columbia is the main distribution point for fentanyl tablets and is the most affected province. This may be due to its geographical situation in relation to the main producer of fentanyl in the world, China.
Domestic production of fentanyl has also been identified, but in low numbers.Our federal investigators are currently working on a variety of investigations involving fentanyl importations. Shipments are coming into Canada disguised or labelled in a variety of ways such as printer ink, toys and DVDs.
Once in Canada, pure fentanyl is diluted using cutting agents. It is then manufactured in the final product, which can be in tablet form or powder form, in clandestine labs before being distributed throughout Canada and to a lesser extent the U.S. Illicit fentanyl trafficking offers a significant profit margin. By way of example, it is reported that the raw material cost to produce one million fentanyl pills is under $100,000, but once sold, these tablets can yield profits of upwards to $20 million. These profits, coupled with easy access to supply markets and a growing demand, are likely to mean that the situation will not abate any time soon.
Recognizing the potency of synthetic opioids has highlighted the immediate urgency to ensure the protection and safety of front-line police officers, border officers, postal workers, and the public writ large. As a result, the RCMP has engaged in a number of safety awareness initiatives for front-line officers and the general public.
In the past year and more recently, officer safety bulletins were distributed throughout the RCMP, addressing the safe handling of unknown substances, including fentanyl, and outlining the risks, hazards, and necessary precautions that must be taken.
We have made presentations to the provincial law enforcement community and other government departments as well as publicly releasing a video via social media which highlights some of the dangers that synthetic opioids pose to first responders and the public, and steps to protect themselves if there is a suspicion of possible exposure.
The RCMP has purchased 13,700 naloxone nasal spray kits which were distributed across the Force. Naloxone is an antidote to fentanyl that quickly reverses the symptoms of exposure to fentanyl and other opioids.
The kits are being carried by on-duty operational police officers and employees who are at risk of accidental exposure and who may be required to provide first-aid treatment to citizens in an emergency situation if an opiate overdose is suspected.
The RCMP has developed mandatory training for officers, as well as operational policies that address fentanyl and other opiate overdoses. With respect to collaborative efforts, the RCMP continues to consult with various stakeholders on outreach materials, and we are currently working to produce additional awareness of products to help police, youth, and parents to understand the impact of fentanyl.
Where are these illicit synthetic opioids coming from? According to RCMP criminal intelligence reports and investigations, it is apparent that China is the main source country for these drugs entering Canada, particularly fentanyl.
The growing threat from fentanyl, related precursors, and other novel synthetic opioids is directly correlated with a huge industry producing these substances within China.
Anchored between domestic criminal entities and those based in China is the Internet. The surface web and the dark web enable criminals to anonymously create global supply chains for a range of illegal goods and services, and acts as a platform for criminal expert forums. The RCMP has been building relations with our law enforcement counterparts in China in an effort to strengthen collaboration wherever possible to combat criminal activities with the goal of disrupting international drug trafficking networks.
In October 2015, the Chinese government completed regulatory amendments controlling 116 new substances, including some fentanyl analogues, but the drugs that made it to Canada are not controlled in China. In addition, there's a disparity between what Canada and China consider a public health crisis simply based on population numbers. Fentanyl abuse has not been identified in China. The Chinese government's focus is on other synthetic drugs of abuse like methamphetamine and ketamine.
As mentioned earlier, our U.S. counterparts have also been faced with the illicit synthetic opioid epidemic and have identified Mexico as their main source of distribution. However, it must be noted that the drugs that are entering Canada from China are also evident in the U.S.
The RCMP is working at home here in Canada with other government departments to raise awareness about the challenge, gather data on the scope of the problem, and collaborate with communities to stem the flow of illicit synthetic opioids that are having such a destructive impact. Alerts were put out as early as June 2013 by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Internationally, the RCMP has liaison officers and analysts who are deployed all around the world. They are tasked with providing direction, support and assistance to Canadian law enforcement agencies in the prevention and detection of offences relating to Canadian laws. As such, they liaise with foreign agencies and develop partnerships to address issues of concern to the RCMP and Canadian government.
The RCMP actively participates in the international narcotics control task force, which is a forum of countries that discuss both domestic issues as well as investigations with international dimensions. Over 30 countries, including China, participate in the task force. We have used this focus group to share information in relation to the Canadian opioid crisis. Discussions at these meetings can strengthen international co-operation by assisting respective countries in considering amendments to the regulatory framework.
In addition, initiatives are being proposed in international forums, such as the G7 law enforcement project groups, to address issues around equipment and new technologies that facilitate the ability to manufacture pills made from bulk active ingredients. Criminals are profiting from new psychoactive substances that haven't yet been regulated by importing these powdered bulk ingredients. As such, law enforcement must think of novel ways to mitigate the presence of these threatening substances within our country.
Let me be clear - as long as criminal entities in Canada maintain vested interests in the opioid market, its expansion will likely continue to accelerate. Continued collaboration and support from Canadian agencies, government departments and our international partners will be necessary to combat this issue.
With that said, I believe that measures taken, under way, or under consideration across Canada will significantly assist in the prevention of fatal overdoses, advancing deterrent strategies and developing early warning systems to rapidly identify and respond to high-threat opioid substances circulating on the illicit market.
Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today. I look forward to your questions.