Ontario announces legislation combating illegal drug use on transit

The province is proposing regulatory changes which are aimed at reducing illegal drug use on public transit and cracking down on illegal drug production.

The changes are set to be included in a legislative package intended to protect transit users from illegal drug use.

The package is set to include allowing transit special constables to issue tickets and arrest those using illegal substances on or near public transit.

Additionally, the legislation is intended to target illegal drug production by forbidding the use, ownership or sale of devices like pill presses for the purpose of making illicit drugs. Owning, producing and trafficking precursor chemicals to make illegal drugs will also be prohibited.

Law enforcement will be given the authority to terminate drug manufacturing sites, and commercial property owners who willfully permit the production of illegal narcotics on their premises could face criminal charges.

Special constables are currently employed by Metrolinx, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and OC Transpo in Ottawa.

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