Toronto, Canada – Canada has officially designated seven Latin American criminal organizations—including five major Mexican drug cartels, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and El Salvador’s MS-13—as terrorist entities. This decision follows a similar move by the United States, which recently classified these groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).
Canada’s Announcement
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty made the announcement in Ottawa, citing the growing threat these organizations pose to public safety, particularly through their role in drug trafficking and violence. Canada’s list includes:
- Cártel de Sinaloa
- Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)
- Cártel del Golfo (CDG)
- La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
- Cárteles Unidos (CU)
- Tren de Aragua (TdA)
- Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
Notably, Canada did not include the Cártel del Noreste (CDN), which was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
Justification for the Designation
McGuinty emphasized that these transnational criminal organizations are deeply involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl, which has fueled Canada’s opioid crisis. By labeling them as terrorist groups, Canadian law enforcement will have greater legal authority to target their operations, including freezing assets and imposing tougher criminal penalties.
“These cartels are responsible for widespread violence, including assassinations, kidnappings, and attacks on government officials. They destabilize nations and threaten public safety across North America,” McGuinty stated.
U.S. Action and Regional Impact
The move comes just one day after the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, added these same groups to its list of terrorist organizations. The U.S. designation allows for enhanced sanctions, asset freezes, and law enforcement cooperation against these criminal networks.
In response, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced two constitutional reforms aimed at preventing foreign intervention in Mexico’s internal security matters. This signals growing tensions between Mexico and its North American allies over how to handle drug cartels.
Global Reach of These Organizations
These cartels and criminal groups are not only a threat in Latin America but have extended their reach globally. For example:
- Tren de Aragua (TdA), originating in Venezuela, has expanded into Colombia, Peru, Chile, and other South American nations, engaging in extortion, kidnappings, and assassinations.
- MS-13, which started in Los Angeles, has become one of the most violent gangs in Central America, operating in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S.
- Cártel de Sinaloa and CJNG are among the world’s largest drug trafficking organizations, responsible for large-scale fentanyl production and distribution.
Consequences of the Designation
With this designation, all financial assets linked to these groups in Canada and the U.S. will be frozen. Canadian citizens and businesses are now prohibited from providing any form of support to these organizations. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will have expanded powers to investigate and prosecute individuals associated with these groups.
What’s Next?
Canada’s move aligns with growing international efforts to combat organized crime and drug-related violence. The question remains whether other nations, particularly Mexico, will take similar steps or push back against these designations. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across North America are expected to intensify their crackdown on these powerful criminal networks.
SOURCE : EFE. | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |
