Overview
- The DEA's 2025 Threat Assessment identifies Canadian fentanyl superlabs as a growing concern, warning they could fill supply gaps from disrupted Mexican operations.
- Despite concerns over Canadian production, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show fentanyl seizures at the northern border remain minimal compared to the southwest border.
- President Trump declared a northern border emergency in February 2025, imposing tariffs on Canadian imports, citing inadequate Canadian drug enforcement efforts.
- Canada has responded with a $1.3 billion border security plan, appointing a fentanyl czar, increasing aerial patrols, and forming a special intelligence unit to target precursor chemicals.
- The RCMP dismantled a major fentanyl superlab in British Columbia in October 2024, capable of producing 95 million doses, and seized 54 kg of fentanyl and other drugs.