The Canadian government on Thursday listed seven transnational criminal organizations as terrorist entities and announced a new partnership with banks to combat money laundering.
The Public Safety Ministry said the list of terrorist entities includes Mara Salvatrucha, Cartel de Sinaloa, and Tren de Aragua.
The announcement comes a day after the United States designated Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other 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.
“The measures we are taking will keep fentanyl off the streets and from entering the United States,” Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said.
The other listed entities are the Cartel del Golfo, La Familia Michoacana, Carteles Unidos, and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.
On Thursday evening, the Department of Finance announced a new partnership with law enforcement, Ottawa, and Canada’s big banks to curb money laundering linked to drug trafficking. This collaboration will allow them to share intelligence on money laundering and organized crime.
Canada’s newly appointed Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, launched the first meeting of the partnership on Wednesday, which included chief money laundering officers from major banks and national police force officials.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday, following the U.S. terror listings, that she will propose a constitutional reform aimed at further protecting Mexico’s national sovereignty.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said on February 3 that Canada would list cartels as terrorist entities, as he announced a 30-day reprieve from U.S. tariffs.
