VPD reports significant decrease in drug seizures following B.C. decriminalization commencement

The Vancouver police have reported a significant decrease in drug seizures since the implementation of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization program. The program, which obtained a special exemption from Health Canada for the possession of 2.5 grams or less of various common street drugs, has been in effect since January 2023 and will run for three years. Data released by the police shows that between February and October 2023, there were no seizures for possession of small amounts of exempt drugs. Overall drug seizures also fell by 76 percent compared to the department’s four-year average during the same period.

VPD Insp. Phil Heard, who oversees the department’s drug unit, stated that the police do not support putting people in jail simply because they use drugs or struggle with substance-use disorder. He believes that decriminalization is an important part of a larger strategy needed to address the ongoing drug crisis. Prior to decriminalization, officers rarely recommended charges for possession of small quantities of drugs, but were legally required to seize the substances, sometimes resulting in unintended harms. The Health Canada exemption has helped address these issues.

All front-line VPD officers were trained prior to the decriminalization pilot in support of the Health Canada exemption. The VPD has a history of supporting progressive drug policies, including the creation of Canada’s first supervised injection site in 2003 and a decision in 2006 to stop attending overdose calls to encourage drug users to call 911 without fear of legal repercussions. The department also advocates for the safe supply of substances to reduce deaths from toxic street drugs when combined with prevention and enforcement efforts. While the possession of small amounts of certain drugs has been decriminalized, it remains illegal to possess or use them on school or child-care grounds, or within 15 meters of public outdoor playgrounds, skate parks, and pools.

The VPD’s support of the Health Canada exemption aligns with their prior approach to drug policy and their commitment to harm reduction strategies. By embracing decriminalization and advocating for the safe supply of substances, the VPD aims to reduce the negative impacts of drug use on individuals and communities. The decrease in drug seizures following the implementation of the decriminalization program demonstrates the potential benefits of this approach in addressing the ongoing drug crisis. The department continues to prioritize the well-being of drug users and promote evidence-based solutions to substance use issues.

Overall, the Vancouver police have seen a significant reduction in drug seizures since the implementation of British Columbia’s drug decriminalization program. The Health Canada exemption for possession of small amounts of common street drugs has contributed to this decrease, with no seizures for possession of exempt drugs reported between February and October 2023. The VPD’s alignment with harm reduction strategies and their support for progressive drug policies demonstrate their commitment to addressing the ongoing drug crisis in a compassionate and evidence-based manner.