Enforcement Measures

2005
ISBN: 0-662-69413-9
Cat. No.: H128-1/05-443-19

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as PDF, MP3 and WAV files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

(749K)

Canada's Drug Strategy is the federal response to the harmful use of substances. These include illegal drugs, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, inhalants and solvents. The Strategy takes a balanced approach to reducing both the demand for, and the supply of, drugs and substances. It contributes to a healthier, safer Canada through prevention, treatment, enforcement, and harm reduction initiatives.

A Growing Risk

Producing and supplying illegal drugs is the major source of revenue for most organized crime groups, with violence being an intrinsic part. The illicit drug trade poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities.

Due to its profitability, marihuana cultivation has become a staple for crime groups, which use the proceeds to increase wealth and to finance other illicit activities, such as the importation of ecstasy, liquid hashish and cocaine. Marihuana cultivation continues to expand in Canada, with annual production now estimated to be about 960 to 2400 tonnes. Almost every marihuana grow operation of significant size is linked in varying degrees to organized crime.

Production of illegal synthetic drugs also appears to be on the rise. The manufacture of methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA) in particular has increased dramatically in Canada during the last two years. The clandestine laboratories where these drugs are manufactured are increasingly larger and more sophisticated. Labs may be set up in locations as varied as rural cabins, urban residential dwellings, or commercial establishments.

Among the newer synthetic drugs that have surfaced on the illicit market is Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a drug with sedative and, at sufficient doses, anaesthetic properties. GHB is one of a handful of so-called "date-rape drugs," and reports of both voluntary and involuntary use of GHB are increasing despite the dismantling of several large trafficking networks by Canadian law enforcement.

Limiting the Supply

Enforcement agencies continue to work together across Canada and with international partners to limit the supply of illegal drugs in Canada and abroad. The Government of Canada supports these activities and takes additional supportive measures including, new regulations to further control the import, export, production and sale of chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

Canada's Drug Strategy is also supporting new enforcement teams designed to target organized crime involved in clandestine chemical laboratories and marihuana grow operations at the highest levels. These new teams will build on existing measures, including the Canada-U.S. Integrated Border Enforcement Teams, Integrated Proceeds of Crime Units, and enhanced enforcement at Canada's three largest international airports. These and other actions will continue as strong measures to help limit the serious threat posed by the illicit drug trade to the safety of individuals, families and communities in Canada and abroad.

To learn more about Canada's Drug Strategy, please visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cds

Find out what governments, non-governmental organizations, and other partners are doing –National Framework for Action – Visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cds-nfa