Transnational criminal organizations, including cartels, play a leading role in the production and distribution of fentanyl throughout Canada. To rid Canada of this scourge, the Government of Canada will ensure law enforcement has every resource available to dismantle and disrupt the operations of these organizations in our communities.
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Government of Canada has listed seven organizations as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. A terrorist listing means any property of that group in Canada can be frozen and gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment. This listing enhances domestic law enforcement capabilities, while respecting other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The seven entities listed today are:
- Cártel del Golfo
- Cártel de Sinaloa
- La Familia Michoacana
- Cárteles Unidos
- La Mara Salvatrucha
- Tren de Aragua
- Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación
These entities are criminal organizations that, through their activities and operations, carry out, attempt to carry out, participate in or facilitate terrorist activity by taking hostages, attacking civilian and critical infrastructure, and working to diminish the ability of local governments to function effectively and enforce laws. Entities have also used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to generate terror and intimidate local populations, whether it is attacking roads, hindering the passage of state forces or hitting specific targets. In addition, their drug trafficking activities are a risk to our national security and must be stopped using all tools available.
These seven organizations are now considered terrorist groups under Canadian criminal law. Listing these organizations as terrorist groups assists Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combatting terrorism and plays a key role in countering domestic financing activities. Reviews are ongoing to determine if additional entities should be added to Canada's list of terrorist groups.
The Government of Canada is taking all necessary steps to address fentanyl in Canada; by appointing a fentanyl czar, launching the Canada - U.S. Joint Strike Force, convening a new taskforce to combat money laundering, and investing $1.3 billion to strengthen our border.
