The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is set to gain new powers in the fight against fentanyl trafficking as the federal government considers listing organized crime cartels as terrorist entities. Commissioner Mike Duheme stated that this designation would provide law enforcement with additional tools to pursue charges and enforce the law more effectively.
In a recent interview, Duheme expressed support for the government’s intention to appoint a national fentanyl czar. He believes that having a dedicated official to oversee the production and distribution of this dangerous drug would help create a comprehensive strategy to tackle the fentanyl crisis.
The backdrop to these developments includes U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canada, citing concerns over the flow of drugs, including fentanyl, across the border. However, statistics from U.S. border patrol indicate that less than one percent of fentanyl seizures occur at the northern border. Trump has temporarily paused the tariffs while the U.S. evaluates Canada’s recent actions regarding drug trafficking.
In December, the Canadian government unveiled a significant $1.3 billion plan aimed at enhancing security and surveillance along the Canada-U.S. border. This initiative includes the appointment of a fentanyl czar, improved intelligence gathering on organized crime, and the proposed listing of drug cartels as terrorist organizations. The process for this designation involves intelligence reports that indicate whether an organization has engaged in terrorist activities. If the public safety minister believes the criteria are met, a recommendation will be made to the federal cabinet for approval.
Duheme emphasized that while being listed as a terrorist organization does not constitute a crime, it effectively freezes the assets and property of the group, allowing law enforcement to take more decisive action. He noted that this new classification would serve as a crucial tool for law enforcement agencies when pursuing charges against organized crime groups.
The term "cartel" is often associated with drug lords in Latin America, but Duheme clarified that it can also refer to any organized crime group that engages in collusion and territorial agreements. He pointed out that outlaw motorcycle gangs could also fit this definition, as they often control various territories and markets.
According to a report from the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada, organized crime groups involved in fentanyl production are primarily located in British Columbia and Ontario, while distribution networks increasingly rely on street gangs and motorcycle gangs.
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty was asked about the potential inclusion of outlaw motorcycle gangs in the planned terrorist listings. He stated that more information about the listing process and the specific groups involved would be forthcoming.
Duheme also mentioned that the Privy Council Office is still finalizing the role of the fentanyl czar, who will be responsible for coordinating information from various agencies to provide the prime minister and cabinet with a comprehensive view of the fentanyl situation in Canada.
The federal border security plan also includes the establishment of an aerial intelligence task force to conduct round-the-clock surveillance using helicopters, drones, and surveillance towers. Canada has proposed a North American "joint strike force" to target cross-border organized crime groups, with the RCMP planning to lease additional helicopters to bolster these efforts.
While the amount of fentanyl trafficking from Canada remains relatively small, McGuinty acknowledged the importance of addressing U.S. concerns seriously. He emphasized that the fentanyl crisis poses a significant threat to both Canada and the United States, and that cooperation is essential in tackling this issue.