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Investigation Reveals U.S. Fentanyl Data Misrepresents Canadian Link

A Globe and Mail analysis finds that White House claims about fentanyl trafficking from Canada are based on flawed data, with most northern-border seizures traced to Mexico.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds an executive order about tariffs increase, flanked by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/File Photo
Denver, a Canada Border Service Agency drug-sniffing dog, demonstrates his drug-finding abilities at the Lansdowne Port of Entry next to the Thousand Islands Bridge in Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle
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Overview

  • The Trump administration has cited a 2,050% increase in fentanyl seizures at the U.S.-Canada border to justify tariffs on Canadian goods, but the data lacks clarity on the drug's origins.
  • A Globe and Mail investigation found that at least 15 pounds of fentanyl included in the 43-pound northern-border total came from Mexico, not Canada.
  • Law enforcement officials in the U.S. Pacific Northwest report that fentanyl in their region is primarily linked to Mexican cartels, with no significant evidence of Canadian involvement.
  • Canadian authorities acknowledge domestic fentanyl production but dispute claims that it is a major source of fentanyl entering the U.S.
  • Ottawa has committed $1.3 billion to enhance border security, including deploying drones and personnel, despite concerns about the accuracy of U.S. data driving these measures.