Vancouver police have seized a homemade taser that was constructed from a Naloxone kit case, according to authorities. The improvised weapon was found to be functional, raising concerns about public safety.
Discovery of the Weapon
Officers on patrol in the Downtown Eastside spotted and confiscated the device on May 19, 2026, said Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Const. Megan Liu. The weapon was in working condition at the time of seizure.
A photo posted online by Vancouver Police Deputy Chief Alison Laurin shows the improvised conducted energy weapon fitted with two small probes on top and an on-off switch near the bottom of a black zippered hard case. The case originally contained a Naloxone kit, which is used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Police Response
“This is the first incident we have seen and just want the public to be aware,” Liu said. No charges were laid in connection with the seizure.
In a social media post, Deputy Chief Laurin highlighted the unusual nature of the weapon. “In one week in May, VPD Metro Team 2 made 8 arrests, including a sex offender with a Canada-wide warrant, and seized 8 weapons. The most unique weapon was this makeshift taser manufactured out of a Naloxone kit,” she wrote.
The seizure is part of broader efforts by Vancouver police to address weapon-related incidents in the city. The Downtown Eastside, where the taser was found, is known for its high rates of drug use and crime, and police regularly patrol the area.
