Drugs
If you see an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.
Illegal drugs and their trade take a heavy toll on our communities, whether through associated crime, drug dependency or violence.
The Ottawa Police Drug Unit enforces the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and other federal statutes. The Unit investigates drug offences ranging from street-level drug trafficking to large-scale investigations targeting Organized Crime groups responsible for the production, manufacturing, importation, and distribution of large quantities of drugs in Ottawa.
The Drug Unit works closely with community stakeholders to identify drug trends and find ways to effectively combat the illicit sale and distribution of prescription medication and precursors used in the production of synthetic drugs.
On March 13, 2025, Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson and the OPS team briefed Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, on their work in the fight against fentanyl.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) remains committed to tackling the fentanyl trade that continues to claim lives in our community. Yesterday, Deputy Chief Patricia Ferguson and members of the OPS team met with Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, for a substantive discussion on the challenges Ottawa faces—from street-level enforcement to large-scale fentanyl seizures.
During the meeting, OPS provided an overview of the current landscape of fentanyl trafficking in Ottawa, highlighting recent trends, enforcement efforts, and the significant dangers posed by this deadly drug. Mr. Brosseau, who is working closely with police agencies across Canada, shared insights on national efforts to cut off supply chains, disrupt trafficking networks, and hold those driving the illicit trade accountable.
“Confronting the threat posed by fentanyl requires collaboration at every level of government and law enforcement,” said Deputy Chief Ferguson. “The OPS is committed to doing its part—targeting traffickers, working with our partners, and supporting harm reduction efforts to protect our community.”
The OPS continues to work closely with provincial and federal partners to implement strategies that disrupt the flow of illicit fentanyl into Ottawa, while also supporting prevention and education initiatives. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of a unified approach in tackling this crisis and ensuring the safety of all residents.
The Ottawa Police Service is responsible for issues related to:
- Possession, distribution, selling, and production of cannabis
- Home cultivation of cannabis in excess of legal limits
- Public intoxication
- Impaired driving
- Where you can't smoke or vape in Ontario
| Cannabis use |
|
Cannabis cannot be consumed in certain public places, workplaces or motorized vehicles. Consumption of cannabis products is not allowed on City property, including parks, arenas, recreation centres, libraries, pools, transit stations and buses. Restrictions may also be contingent upon agreements governing multi-unit dwellings and condos. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, prohibits smoking or vaping cannabis where smoking or vaping tobacco is prohibited. Non-medical cannabis use is regulated under the Federal Cannabis Act and the Provincial Cannabis Control Act, 2017. |
| Cannabis possession and growing |
|
A person 19+ is allowed to have 30 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis in public at any time. A person 19+ is allowed to grow up to four (4) budding plants of cannabis. This is per residence, not per person. |
More information: