A dangerous and unpredictable illegal drug supply made up of powerful synthetic opioids is driving drug-related deaths and harms across our country. Given the significant risks to public health and safety, the Government of Canada continues to move quickly to ensure controls are in place for the seizure of these substances at the border.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced new temporary controls under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for three substances that are at risk of entering the illegal drug supply. The new controls come into force on June 5, 2026, for a period of one year.
The substances to be controlled are two synthetic opioids, spirobrorphine and spirochlorphine, as well as R 29676, a precursor chemical. This proactive and accelerated regulatory action is based on evidence indicating these substances are being imported into Canada by criminal organizations or that they are being found in other countries.
As part of Canada's Border Plan, these controls give new tools to Canadian law and border enforcement to stop the illegal importation, production and distribution of these substances.
