Quiet Crisis: Cartel Influence in Canada with Chris Hudson

Nov 18, 2025

In this episode of The Opioid Matrix, host Michael Brown speaks with Chris Hudson, a Canadian security expert and CEO of CJE Hudson & Associates, to examine how the global fentanyl trade is evolving - and why public safety professionals must stay ahead of the threat.

Drawing from decades of experience in international security and counter-narcotics consulting, Hudson provides insight into the cross-border dynamics of fentanyl trafficking, the role of organized crime networks, and the challenges law enforcement faces in adapting to an increasingly complex threat environment.

They discuss:

How synthetic opioids like fentanyl are impacting North America and beyond
The connection between trafficking, financial networks, and cyber threats
Global policy gaps that allow cartels and criminal groups to operate at scale
Why law enforcement efforts must be supported by coordinated, non-political strategies

This episode also explores how cities can proactively address drug-related violence by empowering professionals and supporting long-term solutions rooted in public safety - not politics.

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast player:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Views expressed in this material are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rigaku Analytical Devices.

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player here: https://plinkhq.com/i/1625927161?to=page

Michael Brown

Michael W. Brown is the global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices. He has a distinguished career spanning more than 32 years as a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He served as the country attaché in India and Myanmar; During his tour in Myanmar, he provided foreign advisory support for counter narcotic enforcement that, to date, has resulted in the interdiction of over US$250 million in precursor chemicals and implementing the regions first use of Raman spectroscopy to degrade the supply chain for narcotics production. He was also part of a special specialized counter narcotics unit operating in the jungles of South America tasked with locating and destroying drug labs and narcotic supply chains. Most recently he was the DEA Headquarters staff coordinator for the Office of Foreign Operations for the Middle East-Europe-Afghanistan-India. Michael is a graduate of the United States Ranger Training Battalion and has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary technology and management from the University of Eastern Michigan.

Contact Us

Whether you're interested in getting a quote, want a demo, need technical support, or simply have a question, we're here to help.

Contact Sales

Contact Service

Office Locations