The federal government designated seven criminal organizations — including cartels and street gangs — as terrorists on Thursday, delivering on a promise made to U.S. President Donald Trump in hopes of staving off economically devastating tariffs.
Included on the list are the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and Sinaloa cartels, considered two of Mexico’s largest and most powerful organized crime groups.
“These are ruthless, transnational criminal organizations,” said Public Safety Minister David McGuinty during a news conference on Parliament Hill.
Other criminal organizations on the list include:
- The Gulf Cartel.
- The Michoacán Family.
- Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, which started in California and has roots in El Salvador.
- United Cartel.
- Tren de Aragua, known as TdA, a gang started in a Venezuelan prison.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme said law enforcement have intelligence suggesting cartels are operating in the country and that Canadians have moved to Mexico and South America to help transport goods into Canada.
Listing the groups as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code means certain activities are now illegal, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment. The Criminal Code already includes provisions for dealing with criminal organizations.
Trudeau promised designation on phone with Trump
While the recorded amount of fentanyl seized at the Canada-U.S. border is minor compared to the southern U.S. border, that hasn’t stopped Trump from raising the issue as justification for a trade war with his northern neighbour.
Earlier this month, Canada was able to delay 25 per cent tariffs on all goods after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made last-minute additions to his government’s border security plan, including the promise to list cartels.
The Canadian list mirrors one from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, published earlier Thursday, designating cartels and other transnational organizations as terrorists. The U.S. list also includes the Cártel del Noreste.
McGuinty said Canada made its decisions independently of the U.S. based on intelligence and evidence.
The Canadian government also promised Trump what’s being called a “fentanyl czar” to act as a point person on the file and co-ordinate with various departments and different levels of government dealing with the crisis.
Former senior RCMP officer Kevin Brosseau was appointed last week.
Canada had previously announced $1.3 billion to reinforce the border with new choppers, technology and personnel and has promised to step up co-ordination with American officials to crack down on illegal drugs and migrants.