The BC Conservatives are calling for a public inquiry after leaked local health ministry documents were brought to reveal the government’s “safe supply” drug trafficking.
The program, according to the document, offers drugs like opioids as prescription drugs for patients that can be used as substitutes for illegal drugs.
The BC government launched its “Safe Supply” program in 2020. According to the presentation, about 500,000 tablets were released in the first six months.
Health Ministry documents said it is believed that more than 60 pharmacies are part of plans to exchange drugs.
“A significant portion of opioids freely prescribed by BC physicians and pharmacists has not been consumed by intended recipients. “This document has ‘specified’ alternatives to local, domestic, and It is being trafficked internationally. ”
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“Since raising this issue in early 2023, his minister, David Ebby and public health officer, have denied and downplayed the scope of “safe supply” diversion,” Starco said.
She called it “the betrayal of public trust.”
BC Health Minister Josie Osborne confirmed to reporters on February 5th that the document was in effect. She said it was a “disappointment” that was leaked because it could compromise the investigation.
“I want to admit that I know this is happening. These allegations are here, and I have no denying it,” she said. “We don’t reduce it and we shouldn’t accept it. That’s why we’re doing what we do.”
Osborne also said that the people involved in the scheme are a “very small percentage” of state pharmacies.
The pharmacy charges a dispensing fee of approximately $11,000 per patient per year, according to documents. We noted that some pharmacies use their money to pay incentives to their clients.
Officials are believed to include councillor housing, doctors, pharmacies and gangs who are promoting drug diversion.
Federal conservatives also show weight, saying the document indicates that the “safe supply” program is a “disaster.”
They also said it wasn’t just the BC issue.
In December, BC Pharmacists University stopped Jeffrey Kyle Suchan after distributing 28,404 naloxone nasal sprays to one individual.
The individual is said to have said he is acting as representative of the other 301 patients. The prescription was announced between January 1st and August 31st, 2021.
Border drug problems
The release of this document comes as the US threatens tariffs unless Canada closes its borders and stops the flow of drugs and illegal immigration.
President Donald Trump has suspended plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian exports for 30 days.
Starco said Prime Minister David Ebby needs to address the issue before 30 days have passed.
“British Columbia has been chosen as the source of illegal opioid trafficking by the US president,” she said. “Canada currently has 30 days off US tariffs to deal with border security and drug trafficking.”
The Canadian media contributed to this article.
