The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has stated that the influx of fentanyl into the United States is coming from Canada. He mentioned that China, Russia, and Iran are collaborating with drug trafficking groups to smuggle drugs into the U.S. through Vancouver.
In an interview with Fox News on May 18th, Patel emphasized that the responsibility for the surge of fentanyl into the U.S. lies with China, Russia, and Iran. He highlighted that hostile regimes like Beijing, Tehran, and Moscow are working with criminal organizations to smuggle fentanyl into Canada and the U.S., following President Trump’s closure of the southern border with Mexico.
Patel urged for cooperation between federal investigative agencies and state and local law enforcement to address the transnational smuggling of fentanyl. He specifically called on the Canadian government to take more action, stating, “You know who needs to be involved? Canada, because they produce it there and then it comes here.”
Elenore Sturko, a Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in British Columbia, has urged the provincial government to implement a provincial fentanyl strategy. Sturko highlighted the increase in gang activity, drug trafficking, and terrorist groups in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia.
Sturko emphasized the urgency of combating illegal drug production in British Columbia. In response, Public Safety Minister and Attorney General of British Columbia, Garry Begg, mentioned the government’s efforts to expand law enforcement capabilities and intelligence-led operations to combat drug trafficking.
Moreover, the 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment report released by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) underscored the connection between Mexican transnational crime organizations, including international drug trafficking groups, and the supply of fentanyl within the U.S.
According to the report, Canadian crime groups participating in fentanyl-related activities have increased by 42% since 2019. Currently, there are 235 criminal organizations globally involved in fentanyl drug activities, with 35 of them exporting domestically manufactured drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Experts point out that the statistics of drug seizures at the North American border do not fully capture the fentanyl precursor chemical production and supply activities operated in Canada linked to Beijing.
Investigative reporter Sam Cooper highlighted the complex network of precursor chemicals flowing into Canada from overseas, which are then transported to various regions. Once these precursor chemicals enter Canada, they are distributed across the country, with a focus on the western provinces’ super labs, associated with organized crime groups for wholesale distribution.
Despite Canada’s efforts to strengthen border security with a $1.5 billion allocation and the appointment of a fentanyl commissioner, appearing to combat the drug crisis, concerns remain about the varying statistics and the need for enhanced enforcement against illegal drug production and trafficking operations in Canada.