|
Home   Border Cooperation Illicit Drugs Backgrounder
Canada and the United States share the same goals of reducing the production, trafficking, and use of illicit drugs and the harm they cause to society. Cross-border trafficking of illicit drugs is a two-way problem. Since 2001, our two countries have significantly enhanced bilateral cooperation on border security issues, including drug trafficking. Canada has also taken significant actions to strengthen its policies to address both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs. Some of the key elements of Canada's co-operation with the U.S. and of Canada's domestic policies include: United States-Canada Drug Threat Assessment
In October 2004, departments and agencies of the Canadian and American governments released a bilateral drug threat assessment to ensure that our joint efforts against cross-border drug trafficking are based on facts. The report noted that the increase in smuggling of marijuana from Canada to the U.S. is of concern to both governments, but most of the marijuana available in the U.S. is still either produced in the U.S. itself or imported from Mexico. Canadian-produced marijuana accounts for only about 2% of overall U.S. marijuana seizures at its borders. The report also stated that there is a south-to-north drug problem. About 25% of the seized cocaine intended for Canadian markets either transited or was intended to transit the United States. Although there are claims that the Canadian cannabis smuggled into the U.S. is highly potent (so-called "B.C. Bud"), these are often greatly exaggerated. Canada and the U.S. measure the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, differently, making exact comparisons difficult. Health Canada tests only samples that are submitted for court purposes. These samples are expected to yield high results usually as part of an effort to obtain longer sentences. Law Enforcement Co-operation
Canadian law enforcement agencies are committed to working with their U.S. counterparts on cross-border initiatives to combat international drug trafficking. Through joint threat assessments, action plans and operations, the U.S. and Canada have expanded intelligence sharing, investigative cooperation, and joint training opportunities. Indeed, in the 2005 Drug Majors Report, President George W. Bush, while expressing some concerns about continuing drug smuggling across the Canada-U.S. border, noted that, "The United States appreciates the excellent law enforcement cooperation with Canada in combating these shared threats." The Canada-United States Cross Border Crime Forum (CBCF) was established in 1997 to improve bilateral cooperation and information sharing. Co-chaired by Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the U.S. Attorney General, the CBCF brings senior law enforcement and justice officials together annually to discuss transnational crime issues including drug smuggling, money laundering, telemarketing fraud, and cyber-crime. Provincial and state governments also participate in the CBCF, as do police at the federal, state/provincial, and local levels. CBCF working groups meet throughout the year to develop joint strategies and initiatives including binational threat assessments and collaborative operations. The Canada-U.S. Smart Border Declaration, signed in December 2001, demonstrated the two nations' shared commitment to a safe, secure border that is open to legitimate commerce and travel but closed to terrorists and criminals, including drug traffickers. Joint law enforcement initiatives are supported by the accompanying 32-Point Smart Border Action Plan. For instance, Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs) were developed through the Cross Border Crime Forum and promoted in the Smart Border Action Plan. IBETs are comprised of Canadian and U.S. law enforcement agencies, including immigration and customs personnel, who work together on a daily basis with provincial/state and local enforcement agencies to combat regional crime. There are now 23 IBETs in 15 geographic regions along or near the Canada-U.S. border, working in an integrated land, air, and marine environment. They are an international model of cooperation. Canada-U.S. co-operation has led to concrete results against drug trafficking. For instance, in July 2005 an investigation first initiated by the Canada Border Services Agency discovered and shut down a tunnel under the border between Langley, B.C., and Lyndmonday3 en, WA. Canadian law enforcement collaborated with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Border Patrol in this investigation. Stronger Drug Policy
As part of its Drug Strategy, the Government of Canada is very serious in its commitment to address the trafficking and use of illicit drugs, including through stronger laws. For instance, in August 2005, the Minister of Health, Ujjal Dosanjh, announced that methamphetamine has been moved to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which allows for the highest maximum penalties. The maximum penalty for production and distribution of methamphetamine has increased from 10 years to life in prison. Canada's Drug Strategy - A Balanced Approach
In 2003, the Government of Canada renewed its Drug Strategy with an additional US$188 million over five years. The Drug Strategy takes a balanced approach to reducing the demand and supply of illicit drugs. It includes significant financial resources for stronger enforcement and addresses the root causes of substance abuse through prevention, education, treatment and harm reduction. For instance, Canada has established a website, www.drugwise.gc.ca, to reach out to youth and warn them that, "For every high, there's a low." For more information: | 
Printable Version
Email This Page
