Trump criticizes Canada over drugs but leaves it off list of drug-producing countries

U.S. President Donald Trump is again accusing Canada of not doing enough to clamp down on drugs but did not include it in a list of major drug-producing countries released today.

The list, which is published each year, cites Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico and other nations deemed major drug producers.

In a declaration submitted to Congress, Trump praised the efforts of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration to stop the flow of drugs and shut down labs but said Mexico and Canada still need to do more.

Trump alleged that fentanyl is being made in clandestine Canadian labs and transported south into the United States, and claimed Chinese gangs are operating along the border.

U.S. government data shows a minuscule volume of drugs is seized at the northern border compared to the boundary with Mexico.

Trump used fentanyl as a reason to hit Canada with tariffs last year before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down those duties.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026.

By Kelly Geraldine Malone | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.