In a massive nationwide operation, police forces across Canada have confiscated close to 400 kilograms of the deadly opioid fentanyl, dealing a significant blow to organized drug trafficking networks. The coordinated five-month campaign, which concluded in October, also led to 8,136 arrests and charges and the seizure of large quantities of other illicit substances.
Operation Details and Provincial Breakdown
The initiative, named National Fentanyl Sprint 2.0, was orchestrated by the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC). It ran from May 20 to October 31, mobilizing law enforcement to target fentanyl production labs, distribution chains, and the financial systems enabling the trade.
Ontario accounted for the lion's share of the fentanyl intercepted, with police seizing a staggering 263 kilograms in the province. British Columbia followed, with 88 kilograms of the opioid taken off the streets. The campaign also netted 1,708 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than half of which (879 kg) was seized in B.C.
Impact on Organized Crime and Evolving Tactics
Authorities reported a notable success: for the first time in eight years, the number of organized crime groups in Canada producing fentanyl has declined. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bonnie Ferguson, co-chair of CIROC, stated the results demonstrate the tenacity of law enforcement in disrupting these dangerous networks.
The operation revealed evolving criminal methods. Financial investigations highlighted that organized crime is increasingly reliant on cryptocurrency to move and hide illicit profits. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is actively tracking the assets of suspected fentanyl producers and traffickers.
Police emphasized that the vast majority of the seized fentanyl was destined for the domestic Canadian market, with only small amounts intercepted at the border with the United States.
Case Study: Vancouver Trafficking Ring
As part of the broader national effort, specific local operations yielded results. In one example, two Vancouver men were charged in connection with an organized drug-trafficking ring in the Lower Mainland. Ashnil Singh and Mauricio Umanzor, 31, face drug-trafficking offences following a property search in October 2024. Charges were approved in September 2025.
In that case, police seized more than three kilograms of fentanyl, 10 ounces of methamphetamine, six ounces of cocaine, and $3,000 in cash.
The National Fentanyl Sprint 2.0 built upon a previous, shorter campaign (Sprint 1.0) that ran from December 2024 to January 2025 and seized 46.17 kilograms of fentanyl. Law enforcement officials say the enhanced coordination and intelligence sharing through CIROC are key to keeping communities safe from the scourge of illicit opioids.
