THE Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on Thursday that its Metro Vancouver Marine Operations team has seized approximately 1,500 kg of 4-Piperidone, a precursor chemical essential to the production of fentanyl.

On July 16, border services officers examined a marine container that was declared as household goods. Officers found that the container contained a large quantity of an unknown chemical substance.

They collected samples and sent them to the CBSA’s Contraband Drug Analysis Section for confirmation. The analysis confirmed the chemical to be 4-Piperidone, a Class A precursor under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, commonly used in the production of controlled substances such as fentanyl.

The CBSA estimates the 1,500 kg of 4-Piperidone could have had the potential to produce over 2 billion doses of fentanyl. This seizure will help reduce the contamination of the illegal drug supply with highly toxic substances, potentially saving many lives.

Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region, CBSA, said: “The opioid crisis has affected Canadians across the country but nowhere more so than here in British Columbia. This seizure of chemicals has kept potentially billions of doses of fentanyl off the streets in our communities. The Canada Border Services Agency is firmly committed to protecting Canadians by stopping the illegal movement across our borders of controlled substances and precursor chemicals that are contributing to the opioid crisis.”

Joseph Chayeski, Director, Metro Vancouver District, Pacific Region, CBSA, added: “The work of our border services officers cannot be understated. This seizure is a great example of how their vigilance, commitment, and dedicated efforts have a real impact on the health and well-being of Canadians and the safety of our communities.”

Quick Facts

• Border services officers are highly trained in examination and investigative techniques to analyze risk and intercept prohibited goods from entering Canada. Officers look for indicators of deception and use intelligence as well as a risk-management approach in determining which goods may warrant a closer look.
• The CBSA stays current on global trends and patterns to ensure that its frontline border services officers are well-equipped to prevent illegal substances from entering Canada. All trends are analyzed closely by the CBSA’s Intelligence and Targeting teams and they work very closely with their law enforcement partners. Officers are vigilant when it comes to ensuring that Canada’s borders are not used for illegal activities, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-Free Line at 1-888-502-9060.