Illicit drugs

PS works with other federal departments and law enforcement agencies to address the problem of illicit drugs.

Our work is guided by Canada's Drug Strategy, which was renewed in 2003. The Strategy is lead by Health Canada. It is based on a balanced, four-pillar approach that incorporates initiatives focused on prevention, enforcement, treatment and harm reduction. Law enforcement agencies and PS focus on the prevention and enforcement pillars. We develop strategies to stem the importation, exportation, production and distribution of illicit drugs, as well as the illegal diversion of precursor chemicals from their lawful channels. Currently much of our work is focused on the problems of marihuana grow-ops and synthetic drug operations, especially methamphetamine (crystal meth).

As part of the Strategy, Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse are building a National Framework for Action on Substance Use and Abuse. The National Framework for Action links federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and community initiatives to common principles, goals and priorities. PS is involved in the National Framework for Action, providing the policy expertise and coordinating role between the health, law enforcement and correctional communities.