Law enforcement agencies in Minot, ND, about 85 kilometers south of the US-Canadian border, say that they are happy, that Canada increases security measures to reduce drug flow between two countries.
The officers in Minot, with whom the interview was conducted last week, said that it is difficult to indicate exactly where the drugs came from, but more security can only be reduced by drug supply. Last year, four out of seven overdose in a city of about 47,000 people were associated with fentanyls.
“It would be naive to think that some of them do not come from Canada,” said Capt. Justin Sundheim from the Minot Police Department. “We also know that some also come from Mexico. You don't know where it comes from, you just know it will end here. “
Canada's promise to increase security on the border helped to stop until at least 4 March on the 25 % tariff US President Donald Trump threatened to set up all Canadian exports to the USA, Trump recently announced a 25 -percentage tariff on steel and aluminum enters into force on March 12, which He would arrange himself on all other tariffs that will come into force.
Promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the amount of $ 1.3 billion, the border security plan includes 24/7 border supervision, solidarity struggle in Canada and the USA, and the addition of helicopters, drones and a team of dogs. Canada also invests $ 200 million to allow canada of public security and the establishment of communication security on collecting information on organized crime to share the USA
Data from American habits and borders' protection show 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl were occupied last year on the northern US border, compared to 9570 kilograms on the south -western border.
Kevin Purdue, director of the Minot Area Recovery Community Organization program, said that all efforts to lower drug supply are good.
“It can't hurt, each helps a bit,” said Purdie, whose group works with people struggling with the abuse of substance.
“I know with all my heart that addicts are very resourceful people when it comes to receiving things, smuggling.”
Purdue said that in recent years Fentanyl was found in the form of tablets and candy in the community and that it is increasingly common to hear about people using opioids.
“It's an epidemic,” said Purdue. “I know people who can find fentanyl easier than find a weed bag.”
Minot Police claims that in the city in 2024 there were 236 doses of opiates, depression and drugs.