London Police Chief Warns of Safer Supply Drugs Being Used as ‘Currency’ for Fentanyl
According to the London Police Chief Thai Truong, some participants in the “safer supply” program in London are using the drugs they receive as a form of currency to trade with criminals for more dangerous substances like fentanyl. Truong made this statement during his testimony before the House Committee on Health on Nov. 26. He mentioned that individuals in the program who are prescribed drugs like Dilaudid can use them to obtain fentanyl, creating a form of drug trade.
Truong also noted that not all program participants are involved in such activities, but some vulnerable individuals who are homeless, have little money, and are addicted to fentanyl end up trading the drugs given to them for more dangerous substances.
Safer supply services aim to provide prescribed medications like opioids to individuals struggling with addiction to prevent overdoses. Examples include hydromorphone, a prescription opioid, sold under the brand name Dilaudid. Despite being used to treat pain, it can be addictive and lead to fatal overdoses.
Supporters of safer supply argue that prescribed pills are safer than street pills, which can contain lethal substances like fentanyl and other harmful chemicals.
The B.C. RCMP mentioned in a statement that while they conduct numerous drug trafficking investigations leading to drug seizures, confirmed safer supply prescriptions form a minority of these seizures.
Truong highlighted the issue of safer supply drugs being diverted in London, emphasizing the need for community collaboration and enforcement to address this problem.
In a November press release, the London Police Service reported seizing drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone provided through the safer supply program during search warrants conducted by the Guns and Gangs Section.
‘A Complex Issue’
Truong acknowledged the complexity of the issue when asked about vulnerable individuals being exploited through the trafficking of safe supply drugs, particularly in remote northern Ontario communities.
He also mentioned a decrease in drug possession charges in London due to a shift towards treating addiction as a health problem rather than a criminal issue.
The program, funded by the federal Substance Use and Addictions Program since April 2020, has expanded its operations and client base significantly.
An evaluation report published in September 2023 showed positive outcomes for clients enrolled in the program, with many reporting a decrease or cessation of fentanyl and stimulant use.
