An Ontario family is raising concerns regarding the grave consequences associated with the ease of accessing illicit drugs through online channels.
In March, Aidan Tate, a 19-year-old, tragically lost his life to a suspected drug overdose. Authorities suspect that Aidan acquired the benzodiazepine Bromazolam from an online source, according to an in-depth report by CBC.
Illegal Drugs Online
Bromazolam, a powerful sedative that has not received approval for medical use globally, is readily available for sale and shipping within Canada.
Its combination with opioids significantly heightens the risk of overdose by depressing the respiratory system and counteracting the effects of antidotes like naloxone.
Ontario witnessed a substantial number of overdose fatalities last year, with nearly half of them involving benzodiazepines, leading to 1,170 deaths.
Aidan Tate's family was well aware of his struggle with benzodiazepine addiction, stemming from his early teenage years when he was prescribed the medication for anxiety and panic attacks.
Despite seeking assistance, Aidan was dismissed from an outpatient program when he admitted to purchasing drugs from illicit sources.
Throughout his journey of withdrawal, relapse, and experimentation with various substances, Aidan's parents, Phil Tate, and Sarah Budd, provided support. However, they were unable to protect him from the convenient accessibility of benzodiazepines through online platforms.
The prevalence of benzodiazepine-laced opioids, commonly referred to as "benzodope," has permeated throughout Canada, captivating users with heightened euphoria while exposing them to amplified risks.
Even smaller communities like Peterborough, Ontario, have not been exempted from this crisis. In 2022, Peterborough experienced a staggering 59 overdose fatalities, despite its modest population of just over 135,000. Tragically, by May 2023, an additional 31 lives had already been claimed by this epidemic.
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Illicit Online Sales
Addressing the illicit online sales of benzodiazepines encounters formidable obstacles. Aidan's family took action by reporting the website through which he obtained Bromazolam, resulting in its closure.
However, a cursory Google search uncovers numerous other platforms still peddling this perilous drug, according to CBC's report. These websites often masquerade as Canadian-based, fabricating contact information and addresses while operating from offshore locations.
The anonymity inherent in online transactions, coupled with shipments facilitated by Canada Post, further complicates the detection and intervention of illegal substances by law enforcement.
Although Canada Post has enacted measures to identify and remove prohibited items from the postal system, the sheer magnitude of mail-amounting to 6.6 billion parcels and letters annually-renders intercepting every illicit shipment is a challenging task.
As Aidan Tate's family continues to mourn his loss, they urge authorities to shut down these online platforms and strengthen measures to combat the online sale of illicit drugs.
They hope that by raising awareness about the tragic consequences of easy access to these substances, they can prevent other families from enduring the same heartbreak.
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