2 billion doses of fentanyl prevented from hitting the streets, Canada border agents say after seizure

The CanadaBorder Services Agency says its marine operations team has seized a large amount of a chemical used in the production of fentanyl, effectively preventingbillions of doses of the potentially deadly drugfrom hitting the streets.

In a statement Thursday, the CBSA said that during a routine examination of a marine container July 16, border agents found approximately 1,500 kilograms of 4-Piperidoneamong the household items inside the container.

The CBSA said the seizure has prevented a significant amount of dangerous chemicals from getting into the hands of illegaldealers who produce poisonous drugs to sell on the streets.

"The work of our border services officers cannot be understated,"said the director of the CBSA's Metro Vancouver district, Joseph Chayeski.

"This seizure is a great example of how their vigilance, commitment, and dedicated efforts have a real impact on the health and well-being of Canadians and the safety of our communities."

4-Piperidone is a precursor chemical used in the production of fentanyland is considered a class A controlled substance under Canada'sControlled Drugs and Substances Act, according to the CBSA.

The CBSA estimates the 1,500 kilogramscould have been usedto produce over twobillion doses of fentanyl.

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is asked tocontact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-Free Line at 1-888-502-9060.