A chilling assessment reveals Canada’s most dangerous criminal organizations are increasingly concentrated in the West, escalating a nationwide threat to public safety. The latest intelligence paints a stark picture of sophisticated, interconnected networks driving a surge in violence and illicit drug activity.
The report identifies eight groups posing the highest level of threat, with six now based in Western Canada – a significant increase from the previous year. While specific gang names are withheld, descriptions align with notorious alliances like the Wolfpack, Brothers Keepers, and the UN gang, all deeply embroiled in a sprawling conflict that originated in British Columbia but now extends across the country.
These aren’t isolated local problems. All eight high-threat groups maintain extensive criminal connections throughout North America and internationally, operating with a reach that defies borders. They view violence not as a consequence of their actions, but as a core component of their strategy for dominance.
The director general of the intelligence agency warns that organized crime is directly responsible for thousands of deaths each year, fueled by the relentless flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl and escalating gang warfare. This isn’t simply a public safety issue anymore; it’s evolving into a national security concern.
These top-tier organizations demonstrate a disturbing level of ambition and capability. They actively attempt to infiltrate law enforcement, security agencies, and even government institutions, leveraging their influence and resources to protect their operations. Their criminal portfolios are diverse, spanning multiple illicit markets and financial crimes.
The agency assessed a staggering 493 organized crime groups, categorizing them by threat level. While only eight are considered “high-level,” another 100 are deemed “medium-level,” and 385 are classified as “low-level.” However, officials believe the actual number of active groups operating in Canada exceeds 4,000.
One Western-based organization, with ties to Central America and Europe, is heavily involved in the importation and distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances. It’s a key instigator in ongoing conflicts, characterized by extreme violence and intimidation tactics.
Another operates across North America, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, specializing in cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, alongside public sector infiltration, firearms dealing, and complex money laundering schemes. Its reach is truly global, and its influence is far-reaching.
A third organization’s network spans North America and the Asia Pacific, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution of synthetic drugs, precursor chemicals, and a wide range of narcotics. It’s deeply embedded within a complex web of transnational criminal groups, making disruption incredibly challenging.
The report highlights a disturbing trend: the increasing presence of international cartels within Canada. Their potential for expansion poses a significant threat, not only to law enforcement but also to government officials, raising the stakes in the fight against organized crime.
These organizations aren’t simply competing with each other; they’re forming alliances, sharing resources, and exploiting vulnerabilities in the system. Three of the six Western groups have established links with outlaw motorcycle gangs, further complicating the landscape and amplifying the threat.
The intelligence suggests a future where the lines between public safety and national security become increasingly blurred. Effective countermeasures require unprecedented levels of information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence agencies, alongside innovative strategies to disrupt these powerful criminal networks, despite significant legal hurdles.
