Ottawa announced on Wednesday that it has banned the possession, traffic, import or export, of MDPV, a drug found in ‘bath salts’.
Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq made the announcement on Wednesday morning, saying that the move fulfilled one of the promises made by the Harper government in June.
"Our Government is committed to protecting hardworking Canadian families and keeping our streets and communities safe," said Minister Aglukkaq. "That's why we have moved quickly to make the illicit drug known as "bath salts" illegal to possess, traffic, import or export, unless authorized by regulation."
With the ban, MDPV is now grouped in the same category as heroin and cocaine.
As a result, all activities involving the drug are now considered illegal.
Calgary Police had their first incident involving bath salts on June 25 at a Bridlewood home.
The parents of a 21-year-old called 911 after their son began lashing out and behaving strangely.
Police say he took the drug MDPV or mephedrone, which was disguised as bath salts.
He was taken to hospital where he was treated.
Days later, another man was found half naked slamming his face up against several fences in the area.
When police got there, they tried to apprehend him but he started to lash out.
It took seven officers to restrain him.
They have not determined whether or not bath salts was used in the incident, but they have a strong suspicion because of the exhibited behaviour.
Calgary Police have not yet seized nor found the drug during any of their investigations.
MDPV causes hallucinations, paranoia, and violent behaviour in people who take the drug.
