Morphine Sulfate

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an important role in keeping fentanyl, its precursors and other dangerous narcotics off our streets. Today, the CBSA shared details about additional actions being taken to stop fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics from reaching communities across the country and abroad. As part of Canada's Border Plan, the CBSA has launched Operation Blizzard, a targeted, cross-country initiative aimed at intercepting illegal contraband arriving and leaving Canada, with a focus on fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics. During this blitz, border services officers will be increasing examinations of inbound and outbound shipments. They will also be acting on increased referrals from CBSA's National Targeting Centre based on risk assessments. The goal of the operation is to disrupt the supply chain for fentanyl and other illicit drugs through interception of contraband as part of Canada's overarching efforts to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. In addition to Operation Blizzard, CBSA's collaborative efforts with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local law enforcement partners have resulted in significant seizures across the country. In February 2025 alone, the CBSA made six seizures amounting to 56.1g of fentanyl, including the seizure of 20 fentanyl pills and 23 g of a substance suspected to be fentanyl from two U.S. citizens crossing at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel port of entry. The CBSA has also shared details about the following seizures of other illegal narcotics in the month of February: 186 kg of methamphetamine (estimated value of $1.86 million) and 42 kg of cocaine (estimated value of $1 million) at Coutts port of entry 6.4 kg of meth (estimated value of $500,000) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) 38 kg of cocaine (estimated value of $4.7 million) in the GTA 2.3 kg of cocaine (estimated value of $280,000) in the GTA 35 kg of ketamine (estimated value of $2.4 million) at Vancouver International Airport 30.6 g of suspected heroin (estimated value of $12,240) at the Peace Bridge port of entry 30 kg of suspected ketamine (estimated value of $2.1 million) in the GTA Quote "The Government of Canada is tackling the fentanyl crisis head on by disrupting the supply chain of fentanyl and its precursors. Operation Blizzard demonstrates our commitment to protecting North Americans and defending our borders from the organized crime groups who threaten our communities." - The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety "Canada is taking significant action to stop the importation, production and trafficking of illegal fentanyl. In addition to the deployment of new tools and technology at the border, we also rely heavily on our frontline personnel to secure our border. Exercises like Operation Blizzard deter criminals and help ensure that our border response to illegal drug trafficking is robust and effective." - Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar "The CBSA will not allow organized criminal organizations to exploit our borders. We are taking enhanced measures to prevent narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching Canadians and from being exported to other countries. Operation Blizzard is one of the many steps we are taking to protect our communities from these dangerous substances." - Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency Quick Facts Fentanyl is a very potent opioid pain reliever. A few grains can be enough to kill you. It is a dangerous drug that is 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes the risk of accidental overdose very high. In 2024, the CBSA made 28,325 illegal drug seizures, including 4.9 kilograms of fentanyl. For the latest statistics on CBSA's enforcement action seizures, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures. On February 11, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Kevin Brosseau as Canada's Fentanyl Czar. Mr. Brosseau will work closely with U.S. counterparts and law enforcement agencies to accelerate Canada's ongoing work to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade. The CBSA's response to the opioid crisis includes working with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals, groups, and businesses that are suspected to be involved in the cross border movement of illicit drugs and substances. The CBSA also works with Health Canada in monitoring new and emerging threats of non-regulated substances that may be used for the illegal production of controlled substances, which can lead to scheduling of these chemicals under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Canada's Border Plan is backed by an investment of $1.3 billion and built around five pillars: detecting and disrupting the fentanyl trade; new tools for law enforcement; enhancing operational coordination; increasing information sharing, and minimizing unnecessary border volumes. Contact the Border Watch Line to report suspicious cross-border activities using our secure web form or by calling 1-888-502-9060 toll-free. Follow us on X (@CanBorder), Instagram (@CanBorder), and join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel. SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

CLEVELAND, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is raising alarms about the rising public health threat posed by products labelled as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a dangerous synthetically produced product often falsely marketed as a kratom leaf extract. Unlike kratom leaves, which have been consumed traditionally for its mild energy and analgesic properties, these lab produced products contain predominately synthetic 7-OH which poses risks of addiction, toxicity, and misuse. "Synthetic 7-OH is not kratom—it is a highly potent, unregulated chemical," says Professor Paula Brown of the BC Institute of Technology. "Consumers have a right to transparency, yet these products are often mislabeled and marketed deceptively as natural extracts, without proper quality and safety testing, they carry a significant risk of causing harm." Key Concerns Highlighted by SABER Potency and Abuse Potential: Synthetic 7-OH is up to 30 times more potent than morphine at opioid receptors, significantly increasing the risk of dependence and overdose. Masquerading as Natural Products: These synthetic products are often deceptively marketed as "natural kratom extracts," misleading consumers who believe they are purchasing a safer, plant-based product. Health Risks: Due to the lack of clinical safety data, synthetic 7-OH products pose severe risks, including respiratory depression, toxicity, and addiction. Regulatory Non-Compliance: Synthetic 7-OH fails to meet FDA definitions of a food or dietary ingredient and is considered an unapproved drug. Many states, including Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, have enacted bans on synthetic 7-OH exceeding 2% of total alkaloid content in products. A Call for Consumer and Regulatory Action SABER urges policymakers to enforce stricter regulations on synthetic 7-OH products and calls for penalties against unscrupulous manufacturers that mislead consumers. Comprehensive legislation aligned with Kratom Consumer Protection Acts is needed to protect the public and preserve access to safe, natural kratom products. It is imperative swift action is taken to close regulatory loopholes that allow dangerous synthetic 7-OH products to infiltrate the market. Consumers, health professionals, and legislators must unite to demand accountability and ensure safety. About SABER The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding, education, and regulation of botanicals. Through rigorous research, advocacy, and education, SABER promotes safe and informed use of plant-based products. For more information or media inquiries, please contact [email protected] Website: SOURCE The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED