Nova Scotia,18,DEC,2025,(India Today News CA):- Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston claimed last week that law enforcement had tested illegal cannabis from unregulated dispensaries and found traces of fentanyl. The RCMP contradicted this, stating it is not aware of any fentanyl detected in cannabis seized from illegal storefronts in the province.​
Premier’s Statement
Houston made the remarks during a news conference following a cabinet meeting, amid a provincial crackdown on unauthorized cannabis outlets, many on Mi’kmaw reserves. He cited discussions with frontline officers and suggested the contamination explained why some users preferred illegal products over regulated ones.​
RCMP Response
The Nova Scotia RCMP clarified via email that testing is handled by Health Canada, and no such fentanyl findings have been identified in their seizures. Houston’s office noted the claims stemmed from personal talks with police, acknowledging limited data on unregulated markets.​
Broader Context
The dispute arises amid tensions with Mi’kmaw communities, including a directive from Minister Scott Armstrong to enforce closures province-wide and a ban on Houston and two ministers from Sipekne’katik First Nation lands. No specific test results were released to support the fentanyl claims.​
