Canada Designates Seven Mexican Drug Cartels as Criminal Organizations

Canada has designated seven Mexican drug cartels as criminal organizations on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty announced the decision in Ottawa, identifying the groups as Sinaloa, Jalisco Nueva Generación, Noroeste, Golfo, Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Unidos. McGuinty stated that the move aims to protect Canadian communities by combating drug, human, and illegal arms trafficking. He also added that these measures will keep fentanyl off the streets and prevent it from entering the United States. The announcement follows a similar decision by the United States to list the cartels as terrorist groups. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by announcing constitutional reforms to protect against foreign intervention.