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President Trump recently discussed the rationale behind the tariffs imposed on Canada, suggesting that one of the driving forces was to pressure the nation into addressing the issue of illicit fentanyl trafficking. However, data indicates that only a minor portion of the synthetic opioid actually crosses into the U.S. via the northern border.
According to White House communications, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noted that the tariffs, which were initially announced on February 1 affecting Mexico, Canada, and China, were intended to combat the illegal importation of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States. Trump emphasized the need to address the “major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs” impacting American lives, particularly the crisis surrounding fentanyl.
The tariffs, which rate at 25% for both Mexico and Canada, have been suspended for at least one month following diplomatic conversations, while a 10% tariff on China continues to be enforced. Beyond drug trafficking, these tariffs were also aimed at encouraging these countries to take stronger measures against undocumented immigration and to decrease their trade surplus with the U.S.
Here’s an overview of the current situation regarding fentanyl and drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canada border.
Drug Seizures at the Canadian Border
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlights that only 43 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the Canadian border in the previous year. In stark contrast, around 21,100 pounds were confiscated at the southern border with Mexico.
Research led by drug policy expert Jonathan Caulkins focused on significant fentanyl seizures—those exceeding one kilogram or 1,000 pills. His findings revealed such large seizures occurred predominantly in two counties adjacent to Canada, including one near Detroit, with results consistent relative to their population densities. Only Whatcom County in Washington showed a disproportionately high level of fentanyl seizures.
On a broader scale, Canada experiences significantly fewer fentanyl-related overdose deaths compared to the U.S., with 49,100 fatalities reported due to opioids between 2016 and 2024, the majority of which involved fentanyl. In the U.S., over 74,000 deaths attributed to fentanyl were recorded in 2023, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fentanyl’s Path into the U.S.
Most fentanyl entering the United States is traced back to Mexico, as reported by CBS News. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has indicated that Mexican cartels are central to the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the country.
Caulkins’ analysis found that the ratio of major fentanyl seizures along the Mexican border was twenty-one times greater than that of the Canadian border. Many of these drugs are smuggled into the U.S. by American citizens who are often contracted by trafficking organizations, bypassing strict scrutiny at entry points.
“Typically, it’s not cartel operatives crossing the border; rather, U.S. citizens face fewer barriers and are less likely to arouse suspicion,” Caulkins remarked.
Precursor Chemicals and Their Impact
Precursor chemicals used for illicit drug production have been intercepted at locations in both Canada and Mexico, as well as within America. These substances are primarily produced in China, shipped to Mexico, where fentanyl is synthesized before being smuggled into the U.S.
In recent developments, Mexican authorities have reported several significant seizures of these chemical precursors and fentanyl. Moreover, in November 2024, Canadian police dismantled a highly advanced drug “super lab” in British Columbia, seizing substantial quantities of precursor chemicals and over 54 kilograms of fentanyl paired with other narcotics.
Authorities suggested that this facility served as a major production site for fentanyl and methamphetamine for both domestic and international distribution. However, specifics on the drugs’ potential export markets were not disclosed.
In response to this ongoing crisis, Canada’s health agency has recently unveiled plans to establish a “Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit,” aimed at enhancing surveillance and facilitating timely law enforcement responses regarding these critical chemicals. Furthermore, Health Canada intends to expedite regulatory measures to ban these precursors to prevent their illegal importation and utilization.
Source
www.cbsnews.com