January 26,2026
RED FM News Desk
The president of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police says the end of drug decriminalization on February 1 will restore police authority to arrest people for possessing illicit drugs, but it is not expected to significantly increase arrest numbers.
Andrew Chan said officers will again have the legal power to make arrests for simple possession, though he does not anticipate a marked change in enforcement. He added that, unless there are extenuating circumstances, police are unlikely to arrest individuals solely for possessing small amounts of drugs, describing substance use primarily as a health issue.
B.C.’s three-year decriminalization pilot is ending after the province chose not to extend a Health Canada exemption that allowed possession of up to 2.5 grams of certain drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, for personal use.
The province initially sought the exemption as part of its response to the overdose crisis, but concerns about public safety ultimately led to the decision not to renew it.
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