Insp. Phil Heard: 'We support a caring and compassionate approach to solving the toxic drug crisis.'
The Vancouver Police Department released data Tuesday that they say shows “a dramatic drop-off” in small drug seizures in the city after B.C.’s decriminalization trial began Jan. 31, 2023.
2.5 grams of fentanyl Under the trial, which was approved via a Health Canada exemption, people in possession of 2.5 grams or less of fentanyl, heroin, morphine, crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA cannot be arrested or have their drugs seized. “We've actually seen a decrease in public complaints around public consumption,” he said. “But that doesn't mean that circumstances don't arise where people rightfully have concerns around public drug use, and we're still responsive to that.”
Heard acknowledged that decriminalization has not decreased the number of overdose deaths, which continue to be driven by fentanyl — one of the drugs allowed under the 2.5 gram threshold. “I am aware of reports claiming that VPD drug seizures have actually increased since decriminalization took effect,” he said. “Let me be clear: such reports are patently false, and are wholly incorrect.”
“We need more transparency,” the coalition said. “Ultimately, for decriminalization to effectively reduce harm we must focus on reducing overall police involvement and interactions. Any outreach and referral related to substance use should be the purview of health and social systems — not police.” “Informal and undocumented interactions with police can mimic the harms under criminal law, but are not tracked.”
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