RCMP reaches agreement with China to combat flow of fentanyl to Canada

OTTAWA — The Mounties have reached an agreement with China to try and halt the transpacific flow of fentanyl into Canada.

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson and Chen Zhimin, the vice-minister of China’s public security ministry, have agreed to boost efforts to disrupt the flow of the drug and other opioids, the force announced Thursday, following meetings this week.

Fentanyl and other opioids pose a grave threat to community safety in Canada, said Paulson, who described the meetings as “an important step forward” in a co-ordinated approach to the problem of fentanyl.

Discussions to formalize joint investigations will begin next week, the RCMP added.

Last week, B.C. Premier Christy Clark, whose province is on the front line of Canada’s fentanyl problem, urged Ottawa to take action to crack down on imports of the drug from China ahead of an opioid summit in Ottawa.

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Fentanyl, a highly potent and addictive opioid, is estimated to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Another opioid known as carfentanil, commonly used as an animal tranquilizer, is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Morris said he is pleased with the RCMP’s plans to work with the Chinese ministry, noting enforcement will be stronger across provincial and international borders through partnership.

He conceded Thursday it will take time to have an impact on trafficking. 

“Things don’t happen overnight,” he said. 

“I don’t know how soon we can see some tangible results from this, but I think this is a great step and to have the Chinese ministry of public safety commit to working with the RCMP on this, it’s great news.”

Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale noted last week that the world needs to take the fentanyl problem seriously and Canada needs international help in stanching the flow of the drug from overseas.

— with files from Linda Givetash

Kristy Kirkup, The Canadian Press