Canada has announced the inclusion of seven criminal organizations, including drug cartels, as terrorist groups, following the criteria of the United States. This move comes on the heels of the US administration’s decision to formalize the inclusion of the Sinaloa cartels, Jalisco Nueva Generación, Northwest, Gulf, New Michoacan family, and United in their list of terrorist groups.
Canada’s Minister of Public Security, David McGuinty, made the announcement in Ottawa, just a day after the US move. The decision has significant implications, particularly in light of the complex relationship between the US, Canada, and Mexico on issues related to drug trafficking and terrorism.
In response to the US decision, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced two constitutional reforms aimed at protecting the country against foreign interference. She emphasized that while Mexico is committed to collaborating with the US in the fight against organized crime, it will not compromise its sovereignty. The president made it clear that Mexico will not negotiate its sovereignty and that any collaboration with the US must be based on mutual respect and coordination, without subordination or violation of Mexican law.
Sheinbaum also reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will extend its demand against US arms manufacturers and vendors, accusing them of being complicit in terrorism due to their role in supplying weapons to drug cartels in Mexico. According to a Department of Justice report, nearly three out of four weapons used by organized crime in Mexico originate from the US arms industry.
The Changes in the Constitution
The proposed constitutional reforms include strengthening Article 40 to explicitly state that Mexico will not accept any foreign intervention, interference, or act that harms its integrity, independence, and sovereignty. This includes coup d’etats, interference in elections, or violation of Mexican territory by land, water, sea, or airspace. Additionally, the reforms propose that Mexico will not consent to any investigation or persecution without the authorization and express collaboration of the Mexican State.
Another key reform is the modification of Article 19, which aims to impose severe penalties on foreigners who engage in illegal activities linked to foreign interference. This includes those involved in the manufacture, distribution, or illegal transfer of weapons into Mexican territory.
Mexico Raises Its Claims Against US Weapons
Following the US designation of drug cartels as terrorist groups, Mexico is escalating its claims against the US arms industry. The government plans to expand its demand against American manufacturers and vendors, accusing them of knowingly selling weapons to drug cartels in Mexico. The president emphasized that there must be a link between those who sell weapons to criminal groups cataloged as terrorists by the US government and those who introduce these weapons into Mexico. This move marks a significant step in Mexico’s efforts to hold the US arms industry accountable for its role in fueling violence in the country.