As the country grapples with a growing number of opioid-related deaths, Health Canada is making six chemicals illegal that are used in the production of the potent drug fentanyl. Crackdown stems from Bill S-225The move from Health Canada draws from a bill originally put forward by Senator Vern White, a former Ottawa police chief — Bill S-225. Health Canada says it's following that lead in an effort to address the production and supply of fentanyl. In recent months, the RCMP has reported an increase in domestic production of illicit fentanyl, Health Canada says. It says the move to crack down on chemicals used to make fentanyl is part of its new opioid action plan.

Source: CBC News August 31, 2016 20:12 UTC