Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled measures under Canada’s Border Plan aimed at curbing the fentanyl trade.
He stated that the plan includes deploying “thousands more frontline personnel to the border” and launching a precursor chemical detection unit. Additionally, a new drug profiling centre will be established to combat the fentanyl trade.
“Through Canada’s Border Plan, we’re deploying thousands more frontline personnel to the border, launching a precursor chemical detection unit, and building a new drug profiling centre to combat the fentanyl trade,” Trudeau wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.
Through Canada’s Border Plan, we’re deploying thousands more frontline personnel to the border, launching a precursor chemical detection unit, and building a new drug profiling centre to combat the fentanyl trade.
This drug trade is a global, deadly issue —…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 4, 2025
“This drug trade is a global, deadly issue — and Canada is tackling it head-on,” he added.
Trudeau’s announcement came a day after former US President Donald Trump claimed that Canada would implement a USD 1.3 billion border plan to prevent fentanyl from entering the United States. In return, Trump stated he would pause tariffs on Canadian goods for 30 days following the plan’s implementation.
“Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also referred to Trudeau’s statement on the border plan, highlighting measures such as “reinforcing the Border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”
“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured. FAIRNESS FOR ALL!” Trump added.
According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the northern border last year, compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern border.