Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $1.3 billion border security plan following discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan aims to reinforce Canada’s borders through advanced technology, increased personnel, and enhanced coordination with U.S. authorities to combat the flow of fentanyl and organized crime.
In a statement, Trudeau detailed the measures being implemented:
• Deployment of new helicopters, advanced technology, and additional personnel to strengthen border security.
• Expansion of coordination with American agencies to curb drug smuggling.
• Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel dedicated to securing the border.
Beyond border security, Canada is committing to an aggressive strategy against fentanyl trafficking and organized crime. The government will:
• Appoint a Fentanyl Czar to oversee national anti-drug efforts.
• List drug cartels as terrorist organizations, increasing law enforcement powers.
• Implement 24/7 surveillance on the border to detect and disrupt illicit activities.
• Launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering.
• Enforce a new intelligence directive on fentanyl and organized crime, backed by $200 million in funding.
These measures reflect Canada’s growing concern over the fentanyl crisis, which has been linked to rising overdose deaths and criminal activity. Trudeau emphasized that the government’s enhanced cooperation with the U.S. will be critical in tackling these cross-border challenges.
The announcement comes as both Canada and the U.S. face increasing pressure to crack down on fentanyl production and trafficking, much of which originates from international sources before entering North America. The Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force is expected to streamline intelligence sharing and enhance enforcement efforts on both sides of the border.
This initiative marks one of Canada’s most comprehensive anti-drug enforcement efforts, signaling a firm stance against the opioid crisis and organized crime networks fueling its spread.