Canadian police have confiscated large quantities of fentanyl and charged numerous individuals in a significant five-month operation known as the National Fentanyl Sprint 2.0, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Despite concerns from the U.S. administration, officials emphasized that Canada is not a major fentanyl exporter.
The operation, which ran from May to October, involved over 100 police agencies nationwide and targeted fentanyl traffickers, production facilities, distribution networks, and financial supporters. Results showed 8,136 arrests and charges, along with the seizure of 386 kilograms of fentanyl, 270 kilograms of precursor chemicals, 5,989 kilograms of cocaine, 1,708 kilograms of methamphetamine, and $13.46 million in cash.
This bust accounted for 78% of the total fentanyl seized in Canada this year, as revealed during a media briefing. Of the arrests made, 217 were related to fentanyl trafficking while individuals were on bail.
Kevin Brosseau, the government’s fentanyl czar, expressed astonishment at the scope of the fentanyl crisis across the country. Efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl intensified post the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously cited the drug inflow as a reason for imposing tariffs on Canada.
The Canadian government responded with a $1.3-billion border strategy to counter Trump’s tariff threats. Authorities clarified that most of the seized fentanyl was intended for domestic use and not for the U.S. market, with only a small amount destined for either north or southbound movement.
The operation was carried out by the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC), a law enforcement coalition led by the RCMP and the Sûreté du Québec to combat organized crime through intelligence gathering. The organized crime groups involved in the operation were not disclosed by officials during the technical briefing.