CBSA warns ‘industry pressure’ slowing action on tranquillizers in fentanyl

Newly released documents show the Canada Border Services Agency's attempt to crack down on animal sedatives in fentanyl have been hampered by industry lobbying.

Canadian border officials are concerned that “industry pressure” is slowing efforts to stop powerful animal tranquillizers from moving through the illegal drug supply.

Criminal organizations are increasingly mixing veterinary sedatives like xylazine, also known as “tranq” or “zombie drug,” into fentanyl to prolong the opioids’ effects and increase value. But drug users often don’t know they’re taking these tranquillizers, which can cause severe wounds and health complications.

While several U.S. states have tried to crack down on traffickers who mix street drugs with animal sedatives, newly released documents obtained by Global News show that the Canada Border Services Agency’s attempt to follow suit has been hampered by industry lobbying.

Global News obtained a CBSA report through access to information laws. In it, border officials say controlling fentanyl itself has faced “little resistance,” but substances with “dual use,” such as veterinarian medication, present a “different challenge.”

On Wednesday, Health Canada listed five chemical precursors used in the production of fentanyl as controlled substances, meaning anyone caught illegally importing or distributing these chemicals could face criminal charges as of April 12.

Xylazine is a prescription drug regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. It is not listed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which applies to drugs posing a higher risk of abuse or addiction.

“Pressure from the lobbying industry means products that are universally recognized as having negative health outcomes, such as xylazine, aren’t being listed,” the undated report obtained by Global News says.