Bringing Prescription Drugs into New Brunswick: Local Enforcement Guide

Quick Answer

You can bring a 90-day supply of prescription medication into New Brunswick for personal use if it's declared, in its original packaging with your name, and accompanied by a prescription or doctor's note; controlled substances require extra documentation and immediate declaration to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to avoid severe penalties including fines and seizure.

Federal vs. Provincial Context: Who Makes the Rules?

Understanding the division of authority is crucial for compliance. Federal agencies set and enforce the rules for bringing drugs across the border. Provincial agencies regulate what happens inside New Brunswick.

Local Enforcement Differences in New Brunswick

While CBSA applies consistent federal law nationwide, practical enforcement in New Brunswick is influenced by its specific entry points and local resources.

• Focus on Major Ports: CBSA offices at Fredericton International Airport (YFC), Saint John seaport (for cruise ships), and the Saint John airport (YSJ) are primary points of entry. They have full inspection facilities.
• Land Border Nuances: Smaller land crossings (e.g., from Maine at Houlton/Woodstock) may have less traffic. However, this does not mean relaxed rules—it can mean officers have more time for individual inspections.
• Tourist & Cruise Season: During peak tourist and cruise seasons (May-October), CBSA in Saint John and at airports may increase random screening. Be extra prepared with documentation.
• Collaboration with Provincial Police: In rare cases involving suspected large-scale diversion or fraud, CBSA may involve the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety or the RCMP in New Brunswick.

Entry Points & Step-by-Step Procedures

Follow this actionable process when entering New Brunswick with prescription drugs.

1. Before Travel:
   • Ensure medication is in original pharmacy container with your name, doctor's name, drug name, and dosage.
   • Obtain a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor detailing medical condition, drug name, dosage, and that it's for personal use.
   • For controlled substances, check if you need a Health Canada exemption.
   • Translate documents if not in English or French.
2. At the Border (CBSA):
   • Declare all medications verbally to the CBSA officer. Use the CBSA declaration card or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if applicable.
   • Present your drugs and documentation only when asked.
   • Answer questions truthfully and concisely.
3. If Selected for Inspection:
   • Accompany the officer if asked.
   • Your luggage may be searched. The officer will verify drug quantities against your documentation.
   • Remain calm and cooperative.
4. After Clearing CBSA (Inside NB):
   • Keep medication in its original packaging.
   • If you need a refill, consult a local New Brunswick pharmacy. Your foreign prescription may be valid for a one-time emergency fill at the pharmacist's discretion (usually a 30-day supply).

Mandatory Documentation Checklist

Failure to produce proper documentation is the leading cause of medication seizure in New Brunswick.

Controlled Substances: Special Rules & Warnings

Commonly prescribed medications that are controlled in Canada include (but are not limited to):

• Opioids: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, codeine (in certain doses/formulations).
• Stimulants: Medications for ADHD (e.g., Adderall*, methylphenidate/Ritalin, dextroamphetamine). *Note: Adderall is not approved for sale in Canada and may be treated with extra scrutiny.
• Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan).
• Other: Testosterone, ketamine, medical cannabis (see separate rules).

Critical Steps for Controlled Substances:

1. Verify Status: Check if your drug is controlled in Canada.
2. Documentation x2: Have both a doctor's prescription/letter AND confirm if you need a Health Canada exemption.
3. Declare Immediately: State "I am carrying a controlled prescription medication" to the CBSA officer upfront.
4. Quantity Limit: Strictly adhere to the personal-use 90-day supply. Bringing more can be seen as trafficking.

Local Costs, Fines & Penalties

Understanding potential financial impacts is key to risk assessment.

Local Government Agencies & Contacts

For questions specific to New Brunswick, contact these agencies.

• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - New Brunswick District:
  • General Inquiries & Border Info Line: 1-800-461-9999 (toll-free within Canada).
  • Saint John (Port & Airport) Office: Contact Page.
  • Fredericton International Airport Office: (506) 444-4060.
• New Brunswick Department of Health - Medicare & Drug Plans:
  • NB Medicare (Prescription Drug Plan): 1-888-762-8600. For questions about provincial coverage if you become a resident.
  • Website: NB Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• New Brunswick College of Pharmacists (NBCP):
  • Role: Regulates pharmacy practice. Can provide guidance on pharmacy rules in NB.
  • Phone: (506) 857-8957. Website: nbpharmacists.ca.
• Health Canada - Office of Controlled Substances (Federal):
  • For Exemption Application Inquiries: Exemptions Webpage or email [email protected].

Filling or Refilling Prescriptions Locally in New Brunswick

If you run out of medication or it is seized, here are your options within the province.

• Pharmacist's Discretion for Emergency Supply:

  Under the New Brunswick Pharmacy Act Regulations, a pharmacist may, at their professional discretion, provide an emergency supply of a prescription drug (usually a 30-day supply or less) if you have a valid prescription from outside Canada. This is not a right.

  • You must provide your original bottle and/or foreign prescription.
  • The drug must be available in Canada (may be a generic or different brand).
  • You will pay the full, uninsured price.
  • Call the pharmacy ahead to explain your situation and confirm they are willing to assist.
• Visiting a New Brunswick Doctor or Walk-in Clinic:

  You can see a local physician who can write a new New Brunswick prescription. Be prepared to:

  • Pay the clinic fee (see cost section).
  • Provide your medical history and documentation of your existing prescription.
  • The doctor is not obligated to prescribe the same medication and will make their own assessment.

Traveler Case Studies & Scenarios

1. The Prepared Traveler (Successful Entry at Fredericton Airport):

   Situation: John, a diabetic from Maine, drives into NB for a 2-week vacation.

   Action: He brings insulin in original boxes with his name, a cooler for storage, and a doctor's letter. He declares "I have prescription insulin and syringes" at the Woodstock land crossing.

   Outcome: CBSA officer reviews documents, asks about quantity (14-day supply), and waves him through in under 2 minutes.

2. The Unprepared Traveler (Seizure at Saint John Seaport):

   Situation: Maria, a cruise ship passenger from the UK, brings her anxiety medication (lorazepam, a benzodiazepine) in a weekly pill organizer.

   Action: She does not declare it, has no original container or prescription. During a random bag check, the pills are found.

   Outcome: The medication is seized as an undeclared controlled substance. Maria receives a $650 monetary penalty. She must visit a Saint John clinic and pay for a new assessment and prescription.

3. The Complex Case (Requiring Exemption):

   Situation: David, coming from Australia to study at UNB for 4 months, requires a significant supply of a strong opioid for chronic pain.

   Action: He researches 3 months ahead, obtains a Health Canada exemption letter in addition to his doctor's records. He declares in detail at Fredericton Airport.

   Outcome: The CBSA process takes 30 minutes for verification, but his medication is allowed entry with no penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Official Resources

• Government of Canada Travel: Travelling with Medication
• CBSA: I Declare – A guide for residents entering Canada
• Health Canada: Personal Importation of Controlled Substances
• New Brunswick Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
• New Brunswick College of Pharmacists