VANCOUVER (September 29, 2023) – BC United is calling for a full investigation after learning that David Eby’s NDP government has been providing public funds to an organization that purchases illicit heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine for trafficking in Vancouver.
The Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) uses cryptocurrency to purchase illicit drugs from the dark web marketplace and sells them to British Columbians out of a secret location in Vancouver’s downtown east side.
“British Columbians expect that their tax dollars will be spent both ethically and legally, and it is unacceptable that public money is being used to purchase illicit drugs in any way that supports organized crime,” said BC United Leader Kevin Falcon. “Enough is enough — we need to stop normalizing illicit drug use and increase enforcement against organized crime so we can get illicit drugs off our streets and help people get better.”
The Drug User Liberation Front received funding and research support from the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU), a government-funded organization, which is currently providing research and policy advice on “safe supply” to the government of British Columbia.
“I am also deeply concerned that the NDP government is relying on research that may be influenced by unsanctioned and illegal activity,” added MLA Elenore Sturko. “We are calling on the Attorney General to launch an immediate investigation into this criminal activity and calling on the Health Minister to review all research materials which have been approved or directed by any individuals at the BCCSU, who have been involved with DULF.”
In July 2022, DULF was rejected for a licence to procure pharmaceutical narcotics by Health Canada. Under B.C.’s reckless decriminalization pilot program, there is no exemption for the possession of illicit drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
Earlier this month BC United released its Safer BC plan, which includes increasing enforcement and strengthening prosecution policies for serious drug offences like trafficking, importing and exporting, and production, and reducing the ratio of serious drug incidents to charges.
