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More than 4,200 kilograms of fentanyl has been seized at U.S. borders over the last three months, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Just three months into the fiscal year, the amount seized is already approaching the total amount seized in 2022 of 6,667 kilograms.

Rep. Tim Burchett cited the figures this week as two U.S. Border Patrol chiefs were asked about border security during a Congressional hearing.

“That’s enough fentanyl to kill every American five times over,” Burchett said, via the New York Post.

That math is based on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s information that a dose as small as two milligrams of the synthetic opioid can be lethal.

Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Post reports that synthetic opiate deaths averaged over 70,000 a month in 2022, the highest number on record. 

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In Canada, there were 32,632 apparent opioid-related deaths between Jan. 206 and June 2022, according to the federal government.

Approximately 20 deaths a day from opioid toxicity occurred in Canada between Jan. and June 2022. In the years leading up to the pandemic, there were between 8 (2016) to 12 (2018) deaths per day.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened long-standing challenges regarding substance use and the opioid overdose crisis, with some communities reporting record high numbers of overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency medical service calls,” notes information from the government. 

Last September, a new order was issued for the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) in hopes of reducing the illegal importation and distribution of a group of novel fentanyl precursors. The substances are used in the production of fentanyl and substances chemically related to fentanyl.

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“With the signing of this order, we are giving law enforcement the tools needed to take action to halt the importation, distribution and use of chemicals being used in the illegal production of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in Canada,” said then-minister of mental health and addictions and associate minister of health Carolyn Bennett. “The presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in the toxic illegal drug supply has been a main driver in the overdose crisis, resulting in a tragic loss of lives in Canada.”

Health Canada has also granted the province of B.C. a three-year exemption from the CDSA, which began last month. Adults 18 years and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of up to 2.5 grams total of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, or MDMA, or some combination thereof, until January 31, 2026.

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“This exemption is a vital step to keeping people alive and help connect them with the health and social support they need,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. “By removing the fear and shame of drug use, we will be able to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing harm reduction services and treatment programs.”

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