Canada takes a bold step in the fight against the fentanyl crisis by designating seven Latin American criminal organizations as terrorist entities, mirroring recent actions by the United States.
At a Glance
- Canada designates seven Latin American criminal groups as terrorist entities under its Criminal Code
- The move aims to combat fentanyl trafficking and keep it off Canadian and U.S. streets
- Designation allows for asset freezing and criminalizes participation in these groups’ activities
- Canada appoints a fentanyl czar and invests $1.3 billion CAD in increased border security
- The U.S. has designated eight similar groups as “foreign terrorist organizations”
Canada’s Decisive Action Against Drug Cartels
In a significant move to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis, Canada has designated seven Latin American criminal organizations as terrorist entities under its Criminal Code. This action, which follows a similar protocol implemented by the United States, grants Canadian law enforcement broader authority to combat these groups and disrupt their operations.
The designated groups include Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, La Nueva Familia Michoacana, Cartel del Golfo, Carteles Unidos, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). These organizations are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the use of extreme violence to expand their territories.
Impact on Fentanyl Trafficking
The primary objective of this designation is to combat the trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has been a major contributing factor to the overdose epidemic in North America. By focusing on dismantling these networks’ financial and logistic aspects, Canadian authorities aim to cut off the flow of this deadly drug.
“The measures will help keep fentanyl off Canadian streets and from entering the United States,” David McGuinty told a news conference.
This designation empowers Canadian law enforcement with new tools to tackle these criminal organizations. McGuinty further explained, “Banks and brokerages will freeze these entities’ assets, which can then be the subject of seizure, restraint or forfeiture.”
Enhanced Border Security and Collaboration
To reinforce this initiative, the Canadian government is investing $1.3 billion Canadian dollars (US$910 million) in increased border security. This substantial investment includes new helicopters, advanced technology, and additional personnel to strengthen the country’s ability to intercept illegal drug shipments.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme highlighted the transnational nature of these criminal operations, stating, “There’s also strong intelligence that Canadians have actually moved to Mexico and South America to facilitate the transport of certain commodities into Canada.”
In a further demonstration of Canada’s commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, the government has appointed Kevin Brosseau as its Fentanyl Czar. Brosseau’s role will be crucial in coordinating efforts to prevent drugs from entering both Canada and the United States, underscoring the collaborative approach needed to address this international issue.
Aligning with U.S. Efforts
Canada’s actions closely mirror recent moves by the United States government, which has designated eight Latin American organized crime groups as “foreign terrorist organizations.” This alignment of strategies between the two nations represents a united front in the fight against drug trafficking and its associated violence.
The designation process in Canada involves thorough intelligence reports and must meet a specific legal threshold before a group can be officially listed as a terrorist entity. This rigorous approach ensures that the designations are based on solid evidence and can withstand legal scrutiny.
