Canada Lists Seven Latin American Crime Groups as Terrorist Entities
(Image courtesy CBC)
Canada has designated seven Latin American criminal organizations as terrorist entities, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty announced Thursday. The groups include Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, La Familia Michoacana, Cartel del Golfo, and Carteles Unidos, as well as Venezuela's Tren de Aragua and the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
The announcement follows a similar decision by the United States, which recently classified several Latin American drug cartels as global terrorist organizations.
"These listed entities are organized crime groups that spread fear in local populations by using methods of extreme violence, and are known for drug trafficking, human trafficking and trafficking in illegal guns," McGuinty said.
He added, "The measures we are taking will keep fentanyl off the streets and from entering the United States."
Listing organizations as terrorist entities allows Canadian law enforcement to freeze assets and prosecute individuals associated with these groups. Banks and financial institutions are now obligated to freeze assets belonging to listed entities, subjecting them to seizure or forfeiture.
The designation comes amid efforts by the Canadian government to address concerns raised by the US about fentanyl trafficking, although official data indicates only 0.2 percent of fentanyl seized in the US originates from Canada.
The government has also established a new partnership involving law enforcement and Canada's major banks to combat money laundering linked to organized crime. The initiative was launched this week by Canada's newly appointed Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau.
