Harper Government delivers on promise to ban "Bath Salts" drug - MDPV is now regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, accompanied by Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais , announced today that the Harper Government has delivered on its promise to make MDPV, a drug commonly found in "bath salts",  illegal to possess, traffic, import or export, unless authorized by regulation.

"Our Government is committed to protecting hardworking Canadian families and keeping our streets and communities safe," said Minister Aglukkaq. "That's why we have moved quickly to make the illicit drug known as "bath salts" illegal to possess, traffic, import or export, unless authorized by regulation."

Canadians shouldn't confuse the drug MDPV, which bears the street name "bath salts", with legitimate bath salts that are purchased at mainstream retailers. "Bath salts" are powerful drugs that look like regular bath salts, but are used for the purpose of causing mind-altering effects.

This regulatory amendment responds to concerns expressed by health officials about the health and safety risks associated with the use of MDPV, as well as by law enforcement and the Canada Border Services Agency, about the substance's growing popularity and availability in Canada.

MDPV is now included in the same category of drugs as heroin and cocaine. This means all activities involving this substance are illegal, except for research and scientific activities, which must be authorized by regulation. This action gives law enforcement the authority to investigate suspected illegal activities involving MDPV, which will help keep our communities safe from this new and emerging drug.

"Our law enforcement partners and numerous other organizations and individuals across Canada are engaged in combating illegal drugs in Canada," said Staff Inspector Randy Franks of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Acting Chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Abuse Committee. "Today's announcement by the Government of Canada to add MDPV in Schedule I of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act is an important step in stopping organized criminal groups from acquiring and profiting from this illegal substance."

Full text of the order including MDPV in Schedule I to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Full text of the regulation including MDPV in the Schedule to Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations.

SOURCE Health Canada

Image with caption: "On September 26, 2012, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, joined by Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais and Staff Inspector Randy Franks of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, announced the Government's move to make all activities involving MDPV, the drug commonly found in "bath salts," illegal, unless authorized by regulation. (CNW Group/Health Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120926_C9660_PHOTO_EN_18534.jpg

Image with caption: "On September 26, 2012, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, joined by Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais and Staff Inspector Randy Franks of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, announced the Government's move to make all activities involving MDPV, the drug commonly found in "bath salts," illegal, unless authorized by regulation. (CNW Group/Health Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120926_C9660_PHOTO_EN_18535.jpg

Image with caption: "Samples of "Bath Salts" found to contain MDPV. (CNW Group/Health Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120926_C9660_PHOTO_EN_18536.jpg