16.75°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Mar 3, 2023 6:35 PM - The Canadian Wire

Trudeau says he is 'as surprised as Eby' that B.C. firm talks about selling cocaine

Share On
trudeau-says-he-is-as-surprised-as-eby-that-b-c-firm-talks-about-selling-cocaine
The public uproar began after Adastra Labs said Health Canada approved its licence amendment to produce, sell and distribute cocaine on Feb. 17

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is "as surprised as" British Columbia Premier David Eby after a firm received Health Canada licence amendments to produce and sell cocaine.

Trudeau says the federal government is talking to Adastra Labs of Langley, B.C., about changing the language of its statements, after the company said it is looking for ways to incorporate cocaine into its business plan.

This comes as a second B.C. company says it is now licensed to produce, sell and distribute cocaine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy, although Health Canada says they cannot sell products to the general public.

Victoria's Sunshine Earth Labs, a biosciences firm that "aims to bring safer supply of drugs to the global market," says it obtained an amended Controlled Drug and Substances Dealer's Licence to include MDMA and cocaine last year.

In a written statement, Health Canada says it "thoroughly reviews applications" to ensure licensees follow all existing policies on public health and safety.

The federal agency says Adastra's licence is for "scientific and medical purposes only," and licensees can only sell to others who are licensed to possess the substance.

The public uproar began after Adastra Labs said Health Canada approved its licence amendment to produce, sell and distribute cocaine on Feb. 17.

Eby said on Thursday that he was "astonished" by the news, and that the province had not been notified or consulted by Health Canada on the matter.

Latest news

See All
canada-makes-history-becomes-first-team-to-reach-fifa-world-cup-2026-round-of-16
CanadaJun 29, 2026

Canada Makes History, Becomes First Team to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Canada's national football team has made history by becoming the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In their final group-stage match on Sunday, Canada defeated a strong South African side 1-0 to book their place in the knockout stage.It is the first time that Canada has won a knockout match at the FIFA World Cup. The Canadian team will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match in the pre-quarterfinal on July 4.The thrilling contest at Los Angeles Stadium remained goalless after the regulation 90 minutes, with both teams unable to find the back of the
no-canada-u-s-tariff-deal-expected-before-midterm-elections-former-trade-negotiator
CanadaJun 29, 2026

No Canada-U.S. Tariff Deal Expected Before Midterm Elections: Former Trade Negotiator

Canada's former chief trade negotiator, Steve Verheul, says he does not expect Ottawa and Washington to reach a tariff agreement before the U.S. midterm elections. Verheul said that while there may be a brief opportunity this fall for the U.S. administration to secure a political win through a trade deal, it is more likely that negotiations will continue into next year. He added that, so far, no proposal close to a favourable deal for Canada has been put on the table. He also questioned whether trade agreements signed by other countries with the United States would remain durable over the long
alberta-court-gives-partial-win-to-separatist-referendum-organizers
AlbertaJun 29, 2026

Alberta court gives partial win to separatist referendum organizers

Leaders pushing for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada have received a partial victory in court. Alberta Court of Appeal Justice Alice Woolley ruled today that the process of counting and verifying signatures collected for the separatist petition can proceed. The petition seeks a provincewide vote on Alberta leaving Canada and is being led primarily by activist Mitch Sylvestre. Last month, a lower court judge dismissed the petition, ruling that the Alberta government had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult with First Nations. Immediately after that decision, the gr
AlbertaJun 29, 2026

Local state of emergency declared in Kananaskis Country as flooding cuts off access

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kananaskis Country west of Calgary as flooding has damaged road access and left some people unable to leave the area. Alberta Parks said emergency crews are supporting campground evacuations where necessary, monitoring infrastructure and maintaining road closures as conditions continue to change. Officials have asked people already in the area to remain where they are and urged visitors to postpone travel until conditions improve. Authorities have not said how many people are stranded or whether there have been any injuries related to th
premier-danielle-smith-welcomes-agreement-between-calgary-and-stampede-event-operators
AlbertaJun 29, 2026

Premier Danielle Smith Welcomes Agreement Between Calgary and Stampede Event Operators

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has welcomed an agreement reached between the City of Calgary and Stampede event operators over noise restrictions during this year's Calgary Stampede. Under the new deal, the city has agreed to allow slightly higher sound levels than those originally proposed, although they will still remain below last year's limits. In return, event organizers have accepted a condition requiring live music to end by midnight each night. Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis played a key role in resolving the dispute. He brought together

Related News

B.C. Premier David Eby Begins First Trade Mission to China

B.C. Premier David Eby Begins First Trade Mission to China

British Columbia Premier David Eby has embarked on his first official trade mission to China, aiming to reduce the province's dependence on the United States and double trade with non-U.S. markets over the next decade. China is B.C.'s second-largest trading partner, and during the trip Eby will meet with government and business leaders in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Before departing, the premier said he is hopeful the visit will lead to positive discussions about removing China's current tariffs on B.C. seafood exports. Eby is now scheduled to return to British Col
Rustad Backs Alberta Pipeline Project, Criticizes B.C. Government's Opposition

Rustad Backs Alberta Pipeline Project, Criticizes B.C. Government's Opposition

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad has thrown his support behind Alberta's proposed pipeline project, which is expected to submit its application by July 1. He said the British Columbia government should support the project instead of standing in its way. Criticizing Premier David Eby, Rustad argued that the pipeline is not just an Alberta project but one that would benefit all of Canada and could help address British Columbia's economic challenges. According to Rustad, the project would create real jobs, particularly in northern B.C., where the forestry sector has been struggling in
RCMP Investigating Stabbing Near Port Place Mall in Nanaimo

RCMP Investigating Stabbing Near Port Place Mall in Nanaimo

The Nanaimo RCMP are investigating a stabbing that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at a bus stop near Port Place Mall. Police, firefighters and BC Emergency Health Services responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from a stab wound to his arm. Bystanders and frontline officers provided emergency first aid before the victim was transported to hospital for treatment. Investigators have determined that the incident took place near a row of benches on the south side of Port Place Mall, across from the downtown bus exchange on Fro
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link