Latest news with #opioidcrisis
CBC
a day ago
- General
- CBC
CBC Ottawa recognized with Canadian Screen Award for feature on fentanyl
CBC Ottawa at 6 has been recognized with a Canadian Screen Award for a feature on the impact of the fentanyl epidemic on Pembroke, Ont. The documentary Priority Purple: Overdose in Progress was awarded the best news or information segment at the annual awards by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Priority Purple, which first aired last June, was the third in a CBC Ottawa docuseries exploring the human side of the opioid crisis in eastern Ontario. CBC Ottawa's Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco and Ryan Garland reported from Pembroke, a town of 14,000 people about 120 kilometres northwest of Ottawa that has more than double the number of fatal overdoses per capita than the rest of the province, according to Public Health Ontario. Renfrew County is responding with a new experimental approach to responding to opioid overdoses, called the mesa Team. Its goal is to build personal relationships between the experts and the vulnerable population by sending teams out to the community on a regular basis. Over three days, the CBC journalists followed paramedic Lori Shannon on the job and see the work through her eyes. Accepting the award at a ceremony at the CBC Broadcast Centre in Toronto on Friday, Dabaghi-Pacheco thanked the subjects of Priority Purple for trusting him to tell their stories. "They trusted us with their vulnerabilities and their stories because they believed their stories would get out there and their stories were important enough to get out there," he said. "This award just means that they have."
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
$2.7 million fentanyl bust marks biggest in London, Ont.'s history
Drugs seen seized from London's biggest fentanyl bust in history in London, Ont. on May 28, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) The London Police Service has seized 34.6 kilograms of fentanyl, marking the biggest fentanyl bust in the city's history. The street value of fentanyl seized amounts to $2,773,200. Among the fentanyl, other items were seized: 4.655 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at $465,000 474 grams of cocaine, valued at $47,400 Four handguns (three Glocks and one Springfield 9-millimetre Hellcat) One semi-automatic pistol (Draco 7.62) Extended capacity magazines and drum magazine A silencer Ammunition 17.922 kilograms of cutting agent Approximately $247,944 in Canadian cash Approximately $5,526 in American cash London fentanyl bust may 2025 Weapons seen seized from London's biggest fentanyl bust in history in London, Ont. on May 28, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 2017 black Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 grey Lexus E35 Sedan 2017 black Audi Q4 2013 red Nissan Altima 2024 black Mercedes S Class 2025 black Lexus NX Fentanyl bust London May 2025 Vehicles seized in the bust. (Source: London police) Warrants were executed at six homes in London, North York, and Hamilton on April 29. 'Today's announcement highlights the critical importance of strong enforcement and community collaboration in addressing the opioid crisis and associated violence in our community,' said Chief Thai Truong. 'This investigation has resulted in the largest fentanyl seizure in the history of our police service, along with the seizure of illegal firearms, significantly disrupting drug trafficking and violence in London. Community safety remains a shared responsibility, and together, we will continue our efforts to reduce harm, prevent violence, and protect lives.' Four men have been charged in the investigation: 44-year-old Mark Barreiras of Toronto, 23-year-old Sajid Bin Saleh of Toronto, 33-year-old Jordayne Anthony Brown of London, and 24-year-old Rohan Reid of London. Fentanyl bust London May 2025 Suspects charged in the bust. (Source: London police) They face the following charges: Nine counts of possession of a restricted weapon or device Five counts of possession of a loaded/regulated firearm Five counts of careless storage of a firearm/ammunition Three counts of possession of a schedule one substance for the purpose of trafficking One count of producing a schedule one substance Barreiras has additionally been charged with: Three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order One count of possession of prohibited device contrary to prohibition order Reid has additionally been charged with one count of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
London police seize record $2.7M of fentanyl, shut down home production facility
Social Sharing London police announced their largest drug bust in the force's history on Wednesday, seizing $2.7 million in fentanyl, along with other drugs, guns and cash. The five-month investigation, including several police forces, led to searching six residences in London, Toronto and Hamilton, where police found close to 35 kg of fentanyl. The drugs were on display at police headquarters during the announcement. "The seizure that we're displaying today has made a significant impact in the drug underworld," said London Police Chief Thai Truong. "Since 2019, the opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on our community, claiming on average 120 lives each year in London … This crisis is not just local; it extends provincially and nationally," said Truong, adding that the investigation was done in collaboration with Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto police and Hamilton police. Police also discovered that one of the residences was being used as a fentanyl production lab. Detective Sergeant Jon Meinen said the seized drugs showed a clear progression of the fentanyl's processing and police found common manufacturing equipment on-site. "Taken together, this evidence revealed a sophisticated and well-established operation," Meinen said. "This is a stark example of a complete disregard for the lives and safety of our vulnerable persons experiencing addictions." Police would not say if the residence was located in London. While searching the homes, police also seized close to five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, close to 500 grams of cocaine, several firearms, ammunition, a cutting agent, six vehicles, and both Canadian and American cash. Five of the firearms can be traced to the United States, Meinen said, adding that one of the handguns, a Draco 7.62, shoots more like a semi-automatic rifle and is prohibited in Canada. "The amount of potential harm to our community represented on these tables is disturbing," said Meinen. Four men, including two from London, are facing a combined total of 117 charges. The four have been jointly charged with the following: Nine counts of possession of a restricted weapon or device. Five counts of possession of a loaded/regulated firearm. Five counts of careless storage of a firearm/ammunition. Five counts of possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm. Three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking; One count of produce a Schedule I substance. Two of the men have additionally been charged with counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to the prohibition order, and one of the men was charged with possession of a prohibited device contrary to the prohibition order. Both of the London men have been released from custody and are scheduled to reappear in London court on May 30. The two Toronto men remain in custody and will reappear in London court on May 29. While charges have already been laid, Truong said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Pharma Stock Massively Bid Up Following New Product Announcement
A Pharmaceuticals company based out of Puerto Rico is turning heads so far during Wednesday's premarket hours after the company introduced its new 'BUZZ BOMB' pre-workout supplement and announced it expects to launch in Q3. Traders wasted no time buying up shares of Aspire Biopharma Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP), with shares of the micro cap currently bid up at $.4001/share (+77.82%) leading up to the opening bell. It should be an exciting session for this stock! Aspire Biopharma is developing next generation absorption of medicine that will have a significant impact on the opioid crisis. Our nano technology drug formulation directly targets pain and inflammation bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Aspire's technology comes from a new mechanism of action (absorption pathway) which allows for instant absorption in the mouth. Benefits of "instant absorption" are to provide nearly instant treatment impact and also allows high dose absorption. Our technology can be applied to any number of proven drugs and supplements, such as analgesics, erectile dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury drugs. Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. View more of this article on About Media, Inc.: Founded in 1999, is one of North America's leading platforms for micro-cap insights. Catering to both Canadian and U.S. markets, we provide a wealth of resources and expert content designed for everyone—from beginner investors to seasoned traders. is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading authority in the micro-cap space, with our insightful content prominently featured across numerous top-tier financial platforms, reaching a broad audience of investors and industry professionals. Want to showcase your company's story to a powerful network of investors? We can help you elevate your message and make a lasting impact. Contact us today. Contact: Media, Inc.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
McKinsey sheds 10% of staff in 2-year profitability drive
McKinsey has cut more than 10 per cent of its staff in the past 18 months, reversing a big expansion plan that peaked during the coronavirus pandemic when consulting services were in high demand and the firm increased its workforce by almost two-thirds. The consulting firm has about 40,000 employees, according to people familiar with the matter, compared with more than 45,000 at the end of 2023, when it most recently published a figure. The job cuts, which are among the largest in McKinsey's nearly 100-year history, reflect the sharp slowdown in revenue growth across the consulting market. The group has also been hit with $1.6 billion in legal settlements from its work for US opioid manufacturers. As well as laying off 1,400 back-office staff in a restructuring that began in 2023, McKinsey last year dismissed 400 specialists in areas such as data and software engineering. It also increased pressure on its weakest-performing consultants to quit via an unusually tough mid-year performance review programme last year, according to people familiar with the matter. READ MORE McKinsey's headcount had grown by almost two-thirds in the five years to 2023 as it expanded beyond its core advisory services into larger-scale project implementation and business boomed for all consulting firms during the pandemic. Since the consultancy boom ended, the number of staff voluntarily leaving professional service groups has swung to record lows. The reduced level of attrition has caught many groups by surprise, following the 'Great Resignation' when a roaring jobs market and the effects of the pandemic led to workers quitting in favour of more rewarding or better-paid roles elsewhere. Bob Sternfels, McKinsey global managing partner, told colleagues last year that the firm intended to be 'back in balance' by the end of 2024. McKinsey's shrinking headcount contrasts with its smaller rival BCG, which last month reported a 10 per cent increase in global revenue to $13.5 billion for 2024 and said its workforce had grown by about 1,000 people to 33,000. Its headcount stood at 30,000 two years ago. McKinsey's workforce was '45,000 plus' at the end of 2022 and 45,100 at the end of 2023, according to its annual reports. The report for 2024, published this month, did not include staff numbers. The report also did not include a figure for 2024 revenue, unlike in previous years. McKinsey's revenue was $16 billion in 2023. McKinsey said: 'Our firm continues to grow and we're doing more impactful work, in more ways, than ever. We continue to recruit robustly and will welcome thousands of new consultants to our firm this year.' As well as slower revenue growth, the consulting industry is contending with the introduction of generative artificial intelligence, which is set to automate tasks performed by junior employees while increasing the productivity of others. Janet Truncale, global chief executive of EY, said at the Milken Institute annual conference this month that her firm would not cut jobs in response to AI but could do more with less. 'I like to think we can double in size with the workforce we have today,' she said. McKinsey said: 'Generative AI enables new levels of productivity for our teams.' Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025
