Canada declares seven criminal organizations as terrorist entities

The Canadian government has officially listed seven major transnational criminal organizations as terrorist entities. This move aims to strengthen national security and combat the spread of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal arms smuggling.

The newly listed terrorist organizations include:

• Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
• Cartel de Sinaloa
• Tren de Aragua
• Cartel del Golfo
• La Familia Michoacana
• Carteles Unidos
• Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)

The decision was announced by David McGuinty, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, who emphasized that these groups use extreme violence to spread fear among people. Their operations include smuggling illegal drugs like fentanyl, which is a significant concern in Canada and the United States.

This announcement follows a similar move by the United States, which designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug cartels as global terrorist organizations.

ALSO READ: Trump wanted ‘Smarter’ Leader for DOGE as White House clarifies Musk’s authority

ALSO READ: Pope Francis battling Polymicrobial Respiratory Infection: what it means for his health

New Partnership to Fight Money Laundering

To tackle financial crimes linked to these criminal groups, the Canadian Department of Finance has launched a new partnership with banks and law enforcement agencies. This collaboration will allow better intelligence sharing to detect and prevent money laundering connected to drug trafficking.

Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s newly appointed Fentanyl Czar, held the first meeting of this partnership. Officials from major banks and Canada’s national police force participated, focusing on strategies to curb illegal financial transactions.

The Mexican government responded to these developments with President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing plans for constitutional reforms to protect Mexico’s sovereignty. The move is seen as a response to U.S. actions against Mexican cartels.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier promised to classify cartels as terrorists, following trade negotiations with the U.S. The Canadian government is determined to block fentanyl trafficking, despite data showing that only 0.2% of fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from Canada. Most of it originates from Mexico’s southern border.

With these new measures, Canada aims to strengthen security, prevent drug-related crimes, and enhance cooperation with global partners.