Public Safety Minister David McGuinty announced the designation of seven transnational criminal groups as terrorist organizations, allowing law enforcement to freeze assets, track financial flows, and disrupt cartel financing.

"We appointed a fentanyl coordinator, and now we are shutting down the money supply of criminal groups," McGuinty said.

The groups on the list include Tren de Aragua (Venezuela) and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13, El Salvador), as well as Mexican cartels. RCMP Chief Michael Duhem confirmed that international cartels are already operating in Canada, with some Canadians traveling to Mexico and South America to organize drug shipments.

Canada follows the lead of the United States, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated eight criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations on February 6.

Ottawa's decision comes as the U.S. threatens 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Prime Minister Trudeau announced safeguards to avoid sanctions, emphasizing that the fentanyl crisis affects Canada too.