Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
2002
Across the country, there have been several incidents of intimidation by OMGs and their
affiliates against victims, witnesses and law enforcement.
Violence continues in Québec between the HELLS ANGELS and BANDIDOS over the
protection and expansion of drug trafficking networks. There have also been several violent
incidents between the OUTLAWS and HELLS ANGELS in Ontario.
OMGs, particularly the HELLS ANGELS, continue to form and maintain associations with street
gangs
Across the country, OMGs, particularly the HELLS ANGELS, are engaged in money laundering,
intimidation, assaults, attempted murder, murder, fraud, theft, counterfeiting, extortion,
prostitution, escort agencies/strip clubs, after-hours clubs (selling alcohol illegally),
telemarketing and the possessing and trafficking of illegal weapons, stolen goods and
contraband. The HELLS ANGELS remain the largest and most criminally active OMG in the
country with 35 full chapters, one prospect chapter and one hang around chapter. Members of
the HELLS ANGELS continue to be extensively involved in the importation and trafficking of
cocaine, the cultivation and exportation of high-grade marihuana and, to a lesser extent,
the production and trafficking of methamphetamine, and the trafficking of ecstasy and other
illicit synthetic drugs. OMGs in Canada continue to be involved in violence, ranging from
intimidation and assault to attempted murder and murder. Incidents of violence between the
HELLS ANGELS and BANDIDOS continue. Several high-profile cases of intimidation against
victims of crime, witnesses and law enforcement across the country demonstrate the extent to
which the gang will attempt to protect its members from law enforcement
The HELLS ANGELS have seven chapters in British Columbia: East End, Haney, Nanaimo,
Vancouver, White Rock, Mission City and a NOMADS chapter.40 The RENEGADES remain the
HELLS ANGELS only puppet club in the province.41The B.C. HELLS ANGELS continue to be
extensively involved in the importation and trafficking of cocaine and the cultivation and
trafficking of hydroponically-grown marihuana. In a 16-month joint forces operation related to
the 2001 Calgary-based Operation SHADOW, which investigated the HELLS ANGELS Calgary
chapter, B.C. police targeted the HELLS ANGELS ‘involvement in methamphetamine and
ecstasy pill production and trafficking. Police shut down seven methamphetamine labs in a
trafficking operation which had connections in Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver and areas in the
Fraser Valley.42A HELLS ANGELS associate was found guilty of threatening a prosecutor after
two members of the HELLS ANGELS East-End chapter were found guilty of trafficking
cocaine.43The HELLS ANGELS continue to be criminally active at marine ports throughout B.C.,
particularly on the Lower Mainland. Their influence at ports enables the gang, often in
conjunction with other criminal organizations, to smuggle contraband into and out of Canada.
Incidents of intimidation against law enforcement at the marine ports has been recorded.44B.C.
HELLS ANGELS have had an historical association with Traditional (Italian-based) organized
crime families in eastern Canada and have developed significant criminal alliances. There are
also indications of increased collaboration between some HELLS ANGELS and members of
Asian-based organized crime groups.45There are three HELLS ANGELS chapters in Alberta:
Edmonton, Calgary and a NOMADS chapter in Red Deer. As was shown in the 2001 Operation
SHADOW, HELLS ANGELS in the province continue to be extensively involved in cultivating
and trafficking marihuana and trafficking in cocaine, hashish and illicit synthetic drugs. While
most of the members and associates arrested during Operation SHADOW are proceeding
through the courts, some have pled guilty and have received sentences ranging up to 6 years in
jail. The HELLS ANGELS in Saskatchewan maintain two chapters: Saskatoon and Regina, which
was formed on December 31, 2001. The HELLS ANGELS has two puppet clubs, the
FREEWHEELERS and the REGINA MEN’S CLUB. There has been an increase in the amount of
cocaine and ecstasy in Saskatchewan, much of which comes from B.C. The HELLS ANGELS are a
significant criminal presence in the province but other criminal groups are involved in drug
trafficking.46OMG-related violence in Manitoba has increased sharply, concurrent with
the formation of the HELLS ANGELS Winnipeg chapter. The HELLS ANGELS’ attempt to
establish control over the local drug trade and to promote and protect the gang has resulted in
a number of particularly violent incidents of intimidation against victims, witnesses and law
enforcement in the province. During six weeks in June and July 2001, there were five
drive-by shootings and two firebombing in Winnipeg. In order to insulate the gang, the
HELLS ANGELS typically order their lower-level criminal associates, like the ZIG ZAG CREW
and the aboriginal-based gang the MANITOBA WARRIORS, to perform acts of intimidation and
violence. HELLS ANGELS members also allegedly perform violent acts – seven of the 10
members are before the courts for charges including uttering threats, assault, assaulting a
police officer and attempted murder.47As incidents of intimidation in Québec have
demonstrated, the often public nature of intimidation is intended to threaten anyone from
reporting or testifying about organized criminal activities. in Winnipeg, one witness’ home was
firebombed while another’s was fired upon with a shotgun. Former gang unit police officer has
had her vehicle torched and her residence firebombed twice, once successfully. Three
members of the ZIG ZAG CREW have been charged with arson in connection with the
torching of the officer’s van.48The HELLS ANGELS and associates continued to display their
colours in court in an attempt to intimidate potential witnesses, police officers and members of
the justice system. In response to these incidents of intimidation, the provincial justice
department implemented policies to protect witnesses at risk who testify against organized
crime groups.49The Winnipeg HELLS ANGELS chapter has become increasingly active in the
importation and distribution of drugs in Manitoba, particularly cocaine and marihuana, but also
other drugs such as ecstasy. In March 2002, after a nine-month investigation, police
closed a "cocaine storefront “operation connected to the HELLS ANGELS.50The HELLS ANGELS
continue to be involved in distributing drugs within correctional institutions in Manitoba,
involving the corruption of government employees. In March 2002, three employees at the
medium-security Stony Mountain Institution, north of Winnipeg, were allegedly involved
in delivering drugs to an incarcerated ZIG ZAG CREW member.
The HELLS ANGELS have 14 full chapters and one prospect chapter in Ontario, while
chelandion formed two full chapters on December 1, 2001. The OUTLAWS have 10 chapters. All
three gangs, the HELLS ANGELS, are increasingly joining alliances with numerous street gangs.
These gangs perform the same lower-level criminal activities and security duties as puppet
clubs. In Ontario, there are continued tensions, occasionally escalating into violence, between
the HELLSANGELS and OUTLAWS and between the HELLS ANGELS and the BANDIDOS, and all
three gangs’ puppet clubs and affiliated street gangs. The HELLS ANGELS, after expanding
rapidly into Ontario in December 2000, remain highly competitive in the province and have
insisted members of the OUTLAWS, BANDIDOS and other gangs join the HELLS ANGELS as
puppet club members or voluntarily disband. Some OUTLAWS quit the gang, joining the HELLS
ANGELS, while other members wanted to stay or join the BANDIDOS.52The Ontario NOMADS
chapter allegedly responded to the BANDIDOS’ refusal to disband and its continued expansion
into HELLS ANGELS’ territory by targeting BANDIDOS members in Kingston and Montréal. The
BANDIDOS targeted the HELLS ANGELS in retaliation. The hit squads, composed primarily
of prospects and associates, have been responsible for several incidents of violence in Ontario
and Québec.53 One alleged hitman, a Rockers associate, accompanied by Rockers member,
was stopped by police for a routine traffic violation. The alleged hitman opened fire on the
police and was killed in the return fire.54The HELLS ANGELS continue to promote the gang
publicly. A number of public venues have implemented or are considering implementing
bans on gang colours because of public safety. Some municipalities, such as Barrie and
Kitchener, have instituted voluntary “No Gang Colours/No Gang Clothing” programs for local
businesses. Unexpected and extra policing costs are becoming more common in order to
properly monitor and police OMGs at public venues, particularly when rival gangs attend.55
Some members of the OUTLAWS and BANDIDOS were wearing protective body armour at a
London motorcycle show.56OMGs in the province continue to be involved in large-scale theft.
In the joint forces Project WOLF,149 charges were laid against 27 people associated to the
BANDIDOS involved in hijacking and stealing cargo truckloads of merchandise. Drugs, weapons,
and $3 million in stolen property was recovered. The gang had a complete distribution network
to repackage and market products in order to disguise its origin. A number of innovative
initiatives to combat OMGs in Ontario are being examined across the province. In April
2002, the Ontario provincial government enacted proceeds of crime legislation, titled, An Act
to Provide Civil Remedies for Organized Crime and Other Unlawful Activities. Legislation
to amend the Building Code Act to permit municipalities to pass by-laws prescribing standards
for the use of fortifications, barricades and surveillance equipment on property is before the
provincial legislative assembly. The bill is in response to concerns regarding outlaw motorcycle
gang clubhouses. Québec passed similar legislation in 1997.58There are now seven HELLS
ANGELS chapters in Québec: NOMADS, South, Sherbrooke, Montréal, Québec City, TroisRivières, and a new chapter, Estrin. HELLS ANGELS in the province control the ROCKERS, EVIL
ONES, ROWDY CREW, DAMNERS, BLATNOIS, JOKERS and SATAN’S GUARDS puppet clubs and
a number of affiliated street gangs. As well as controlling the DAMNERS in Grand Falls, New
Brunswick, HELLS ANGELS in Québec also exert considerable influence over criminal activities
throughout Atlantic Canada. There are two full BANDIDOS chapters in the province which
also control a number of affiliated street gangs. Sporadic violence between the HELLS ANGELS
and BANDIDOS continues in the province. From August 2001 to May 2002, there were seven
murders, including one non-gang-affiliated person, seven attempted murders and one
disappearance related to the gang violence. A teenager died when he was caught in cross-fire
outside a bar. In another incident, an innocent man was killed when his car was confused with
that of a BANDIDOS member.59There have been approximately 26 arsons in bars and clubs
associated to the HELLS ANGELS in south-central Montréal. One person was killed and a
number have been left injured or homeless. Individuals belonging or associated to the
BANDIDOS have been arrested on charges relating to the arsons. The BANDIDOS were trying
to take control of drug territory controlled by the HELLSANGELS after Operation SPRINGTIME
2001 which targeted the HELLS ANGELS in Québec and Atlantic Canada.60Initially handed fines,
three former members of the EVIL ONES Granby chapter, HELLS ANGELS’ puppet club, were
sentenced to between one to three months after the Québec Court of Appeal overturned their
sentences. In January 2001, the EVIL ONES intimidated and threatened the families of
three police officers who had entered a bar after a routine check. Thirty members of the EVIL
ONES Granby and Outaouais chapters were present during the incident. Forty-eight of 49
members and associates of the HELLS ANGELS and affiliated puppet clubs arrested in
Operation SPRINGTIME 2001 are before the courts or have pled guilty to various charges
relating to money laundering and drugs. In addition, seventeen individuals are before the court
facing charges of gangsterism, drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder rival drug-dealers in
the ROCK MACHINE (now BANDIDOS). The trial is taking place in a new courthouse located
next to the Bordeaux Jail where the accused are being held. Special security precautions have
been taken to protect jurors and the defendants, who will sit behind floor-to-ceiling
bulletproofglass.62 The second major trial from Operation SPRINGTIME 2001 will begin in
September 2002.Fourteen individuals, including 10 NOMADS members, are each facing 13
counts of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted murder.63An influential member
of the NOMADS in Québec was retried on charges of ordering the murder of two prison guards
and the attempted murder of another in 1997. The highly-publicized trial revealed numerous
details of the HELLS ANGELS’ drug trafficking network and other criminalactivities in
Québec, the gang’s extensive use of intimidation and violence and the strict,
hierarchalstructure of the gang. The member was found guilty of all three counts and will serve
25 years inprison before becoming eligible for parole.64 The NOMADS member is appealing his
conviction.HELLS ANGELS in Québec continue to be extensively involved in the cultivation and
trafficking ofmarihuana. In January 2002, police raided a new subdivision on Montréal’s North
Shore, findinghydoponic marihuana grow operations at 17 of 80 houses. The operation is
believed to be linkedto the ROCKERS North chapter. Eight thousand plants and a large
quantity of hydroponicequipment were seized. The homes, largely unoccupied, were
equipped with false basementwindows and contained props, such as children’s toys and
trophies, so the homes would appearto be lived in.65Project AMIGO targeted the BANDIDOS
in Ontario and Québec. In June 2002, the 15-monthoperation resulted in 62 arrest
warrants charging members and associates with offences includingconspiracy to murder,
gangsterism and trafficking in a variety of drugs (cocaine, heroin, ecstasy,marihuana and
Viagra). The entire BANDIDOS Montréal chapter, along with half the BANDIDOSQuébec City
chapter were arrested. The Kingston, Ontario-based national president of theBANDIDOS
was also arrested. Twenty-six individuals named in the warrants were already behind.
OMG activities in the Atlantic provinces continue to follow the national trend of violence and
controlof drug production/importation and distribution. Eight men, including three BANDIDOS
members,two KILLERBEEZ members and three BANDIDOS associates, were convicted of charges
relatingto the assault and kidnapping of a man belonging to the DAMNERS, a puppet club to the
HELLSANGELS Québec City chapter.67In Operation 4-H, a culmination of Operations
JOHNNY and JACAMAR, police arrested 55members and associates of the HELLS ANGELS
Québec City chapter and New BrunswickDAMNERS. Those arrested are facing charges of
conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, ecstasy andmarihuana and charges of conspiracy to launder the
proceeds of crime. The operation identifieda national drug network with drugs imported from
B.C. and Québec into Atlantic Canada. Policeseized 70 kilograms of high-quality of cocaine, 35.5
kilograms of high-grade B.C. marihuana, 5,300hits of ecstasy and cash, including over $1 million
in property.68The HELLS ANGELS Halifax chapter, the only chapter in Atlantic Canada, has
influence over theHIGHLANDERS in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and the CHARLOTTETOWN HARLEY
CLUB in PrinceEdward Island. The BACCHUS in New Brunswick is a HELLS ANGELS hangaround
chapter. A successful operation against the HELLS ANGELS Halifax chapter indicates the gang’s
extensiveinvolvement in drug trafficking. In Operation HAMMER, 20 individuals with ties
to the HELLSANGELS Halifax chapter, including three members, were charged with drug
trafficking and weaponand gang-related offences.69Although there is no resident OMG in
Newfoundland and Labrador, the HELLS ANGELS Québecchapter continues to exert influence in
the province’s sex and drug trades.
2003
The HELLS ANGELS, OUTLAWS and BANDIDOS are the three most influentialOMGs in Canada
and have attracted significant police attention. The HELLS ANGELS are the most powerful OMG
with 34 chapters across thecountry. They are international in scope with over 228 chapters
worldwide and aninternational membership exceeding 3000. The organizational structure of
theHELLS ANGELS enhances cooperation between chapters to facilitate criminalactivities such
as the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs. Within the lasttwo years, successful law
enforcement actions have reduced the degree ofcriminal influence exerted by the HELLS
ANGELS in Central and Atlantic Canada.However, despite suffering from a degree of
organizational difficulty in theseregions, the HELLS ANGELS continue to attempt to operate and
reconsolidate theirsphere of influence. The OUTLAWS are concentrated in Ontario with nine
chapters. The BANDIDOShave no clubhouses in Canada, however maintain a small number of
membersand probationary members in Ontario. Both the BANDIDOS and the OUTLAWShave
been successfully targeted by law enforcement within the last year and as aresult are
experiencing an organizational lull and are keeping a low profile.OMGs in Canada are increasing
their technological abilities. Computers andthe Internet are being used to manage gang affairs
and promote gang-relatedbusinesses and events on the web. These groups are also taking
advantage ofemerging technology such as wireless devices and encryption protocols to
protecttheir information and communications. One member of the HELLS ANGELS iscurrently
considered the national webmaster as well as technical support andcontinues to build
computer expertise. In addition to protecting their information,OMGs, particularly the HELLS
ANGELS, use sophisticated security systems andvideo cameras to protect their clubhouse
perimeters. Control over criminal networks and subordinates is maintained by intimidationand
violence. The HELLS ANGELS use violence as a tool in orderto control their criminal networks
and intimidate rivals. Intimidation of lawenforcement and potential witnesses have been
carried out in order to disrupt ordelay judicial proceedings. To carry out criminal acts, OMGs
will use puppetclubs such as street gangs and other lower-level OMGs in order to
insulatethemselves from prosecution. There are indications, however, that puppet clubsare
declining in number due to the difficulty to control them and successful lawenforcement action.
In addition, certain puppet clubs are disassociatingthemselves from the more powerful OMGs
in order to avoid the increasedcommitment and law enforcement attention such an association
entails. OMG activity within Canada remains widespread; these groups are
continuallyattempting to widen their influence. OMGs, particularly the HELLS ANGELSderive
their financial income from various criminal activities across the countrysuch as prostitution
and fraud. However, drug trafficking, most notably cocaineand marihuana, remains their
primary source of income.Due to the vast illicit drug market demand and abundance of territory
in BritishColumbia and the Prairies, OMGs appear to co-exist with other groups such
asTraditional (Italian-based) and Asian-based organized crime. In B.C. the HELLSANGELS have
seven chapters and are heavily involved in cocaine traffickingas well as marihuana cultivation.
Some members of the HELLS ANGELS inB.C. have ties to Traditional (Italian-based) organized
crime groups in B.C. andCentral Canada. The HELLS ANGELS in this province are also attempting
tosanitize their image as they hold interests in several legitimate businesses.In Alberta, the
HELLS ANGELS have three chapters. The NOMADS and Edmontonchapters are particularly
involved in drug trafficking. The HELLS ANGELS in thisprovince are composed of former rival
motorcycle clubs, and as a result oldallegiances and rivalries still exist, creating a degree of
tension within thechapters. The HELLS ANGELS in Alberta do not have any extensive links
withother criminal organizations in the province.The two HELLS ANGELS chapters in
Saskatchewan continue to operateinterdependently, neither one rising as a dominant entity. In
Manitoba, gang-related violence is increasing as criminal groups fight over the province’s
drugtrade. The HELLS ANGELS are attempting to increase their sphere of influence inthis
province using violence and intimidation of local drug traffickers.OMG demographics in Central
and Atlantic Canada are changing as groupstargeted by law enforcement are weakened or
disrupted. In Ontario, ProjectRETIRE, a three-year joint forces police operation targeting the
OUTLAWS,concluded in September 2002 with the arrests of approximately 60 individuals,
including 40 full-patch members as well as two U.S.-based members, theOUTLAWS’ U.S.
national vice-president and the international president. RETIREalso concluded with the seizure
of five OUTLAWS’ clubhouses in Ontario. Trialsstemming from these operations are ongoing.
The OUTLAWS in Ontario arecurrently in disarray and their criminal influence is diminished. The
HELLS ANGELS in Ontario were recently targeted in Operation SHIRLEA,a joint forces police
operation in the greater Toronto area. In April 2003, thisoperation resulted in the arrest of 42
individuals, including 14 HELLS ANGELSfull-patch members from five chapters, two former
members, three members ofthe RED LINE CREW puppet club and 23 associates.Project
AMIGOS, targeting the BANDIDOS in Ontario and Quebec, ended inJune 2002. This operation
concluded with the arrests of two Ontario-basedmembers and most of the Quebec BANDIDOS,
virtually eliminating thecriminal influence of this group in both provinces. The HELLS ANGELS
continueto be affected by the aftermath of Operation SPRINGTIME 2001. Megatrialsstemming
from this operation are ongoing, and arrests are still being madein relation to this massive
operation. Two prominent former HELLS ANGELSNOMADS’ members were arrested in April
2003, having been at large sinceevading the massive police sweep in the spring of 2001. They
are currently facingcharges of murder, drug trafficking and gangsterism. The HELLS ANGELS in
Quebec have undergone a significant organizational shiftin the last two years. Due to successful
law enforcement actions, internal strifeand lack of leadership, many of the six HELLS ANGELS
chapters in this provincelack the necessary active members and/or organizational capabilities
to maintainthe scope of their criminal networks. In New Brunswick, the BACCHUS are criminally
active and maintain a strongassociation with the HELLS ANGELS. In Nova Scotia, the HELLS
ANGELS Halifaxchapter has also been weakened as four of its seven members are incarcerated,
inaddition to their clubhouse being seized after Operation HAMMER in 2001. InNewfoundland
and Labrador, despite their lack of physical presence, the HELLSANGELS continue to exert their
criminal influence in this region throughassociates and/or local criminals.
2004
he HELLS ANGELS remains the largest and most powerful outlaw motorcyclegang (OMG) in
Canada with 34 (of which two in Quebec are currentlyinactive) chapters across the country
comprising approximately 500 members.The HELLS ANGELS in British Columbia and several
chapters in Ontario andQuebec remain sophisticated and well-established. However, the
HELLSANGELS is facing challenges throughout the rest of the country as a direct result of being
successfully targeted by law enforcement, from internalconflict or from increased competition
from other criminal organizations.The OUTLAWS and BANDIDOS have been maintaining a low
profile sincelaw enforcement actions in 2002 significantly reduced their degree of threat.The
OUTLAWS has seven chapters in Ontario, only three of which operatewith any degree of
stability. The BANDIDOS has one full chapter in Ontarioand recently established a probationary
chapter in Alberta. This probationarychapter may be an indication that the BANDIDOS, which
has maintained alow profile in Canada since late 2002, may pose a challenge to the illicit
drugactivities of the HELLS ANGELS in western Canada. OMGs, particularly the HELLS ANGELS,
derive significant financial incomefrom various criminal activities across the country such as
prostitution, fraudand extortion. However, drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, marihuana
andincreasingly methamphetamine, remains the primary source of illicit incomefor OMGs.
Their criminal activities can result in increased insurancepremiums, property crimes and
financial losses to victims and businesses.Drug trafficking can result in street-level violence from
disputes over territory,drug-debt collection and related property crimes committed to support
illicitdrug addiction. So-called mega-trials of HELLS ANGELS in Manitoba andQuebec have
resulted in a significant dedication of justice resources to long,complex trials involving multiple
individuals and charges. In Quebec, thetrials, to date, have resulted in a 100 per cent conviction
rate. The HELLS ANGELS in Canada has significant links to other organized crimegroups. For
example, some HELLS ANGELS members in B.C., Ontario andQuebec have links to members of
Traditional (Italian-based) organized crime.These criminal networks can be used to facilitate the
importation/exportationof illicit commodities. The HELLS ANGELS’ criminal influence is growing
in B.C. and Ontario;however, it is declining in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.In
some areas, the HELLS ANGELS is facing increased competition from otherorganized crime
groups, such as Asian-based networks. In Edmonton, theBANDIDOS appears to be gaining
support among local criminals. Thiscompetition has increasingly forced the HELLS ANGELS into
cooperationwith other criminal organizations in the trafficking and distribution of
illicitcommodities. As the HELLS ANGELS’ Halifax chapter was closed in 2003, itscriminal
influence in Atlantic Canada was significantly reduced. While thereremains a smaller, lesssophisticated OMG presence in the region, it isunclear what criminal group(s) will emerge to
dominate the illicit drug trade. Despite law enforcement successes in the last year, which
resulted in thearrests of multiple individuals on charges of drug trafficking, vehicle
theft,conspiracy and gangsterism, the HELLS ANGELS’ criminal infrastructure inOntario, and, to
a lesser extent in Quebec, remains intact. The Ontario HELLSANGELS has enhanced its influence
since law enforcement actions severelyweakened the OUTLAWS and BANDIDOS in 2002. The
Quebec HELLSANGELS remain criminally active with four stable chapters. While theHELLS
ANGELS’ criminal influence in Quebec is reduced, the arrest ofprominent members may present
opportunities for lower-level groups,such as street gangs, to expand into activities formerly
controlled by theHELLS ANGELS.
Illegal Drugs
2008
Cocaine Cocaine remains one of the most signifi cant illicit drug markets as
indicated by global production levels and Canadian seizure statistics. Cocaine is
imported by organized crime groups directly from source countries, particularly
Peru, or through transit countries such as the Dominican Republic, Guyana,
Jamaica, and Mexico. Inter-provincial distribution of cocaine is coordinated from
B.C., Ontario, and Quebec, where it is sold at the wholesale level to criminal
groups that subsequently sell it to retail distributors.
Crack CocaineA derivative of cocaine, crack cocaine tends to be concentrated
in urban centres across Canada. Due to the addictive nature and short-lived
effects of crack, users frequently engage in low-level property crimes, robbery
and crimes against persons, often creating pockets of cyclical crime. The majority
of the criminal groups involved in crack cocaine are street gangs involved in retail
distribution, primarily from street corners, crack houses, as well as dial-a-dope
systems.Dial-a-dope refers to a system used by street level distributors to sell illicit drugs
by responding to requests placed to a series of disposable cellular phones.
Ecstasy Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium are the primary source countries
of ecstasy to the global illicit drug trade. Canada continues to be a major
producer for both domestic and international markets, exporting signifi cant
quantities primarily to the US and to a lesser extent, Japan, Australia and New
Zealand. Substantial production of ecstasy has directly impacted the domestic
market, resulting in a considerable decline in price since 2003. Moreover, the
chemical profi le of ecstasy has shifted towards a cocktail composition that
contains decreased quantities of MDMA, its primary active ingredient, and
increased quantities of several chemical fi llers and substances, predominantly
methamphetamine, as well as ketamine, ephedrine and caffeine. This trend
poses a signifi cant risk for consumers as they are unaware of the chemical
composition of the ecstasy tablet and its harmful effects.
HeroinIn Canada, consumer demand for heroin remains low in comparison with
demand for most other forms of drugs. As such, a limited number of organized
crime groups, mainly in B.C. and Ontario, are involved in the heroin market,
importing heroin primarily from Southwest Asia and Latin America.
MarihuanaMarihuana remains one of the most traffi cked illicit drugs in Canada,
with extensive organized crime involvement at all levels of production, distribution
and exportation. Canada continues to be a source country for marihuana,
meeting signifi cant domestic and US cross-border demand. B.C., Ontario and
Quebec continue to be the primary hubs of production and distribution to
domestic and US markets. Given the signifi cant demand for marihuana in the
US, Canada meets a small proportion of their supply, particularly in comparison
to quantities derived from US domestic production and Mexico.
Methamphetamine Methamphetamine production in Canada has risen
primarily to meet expanding international market consumption and to a lesser
extent, limited domestic demand. The number of super labs in Canada indicates
the capacity to produce signifi cant quantities for foreign distribution. In 2007,
seizures of Canadian-produced methamphetamine were interdicted in Australia,
Japan, New Zealand and to a lesser extent, China, Taiwan, India and Iran. The
majority of the groups involved in the manufacture of methamphetamine are
based in B.C.; however, the dismantlement of several super labs in Ontario and
Quebec during the past year demonstrates the eastward movement of production
hubs. Super labs have the capability of producing 5 kg or more of illicit synthetic drugs.
OpiumIn 2007, the United Nations Offi ce on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
reported that Afghanistan reached record highs of opium production, accounting
for 92% of global illicit opium production. As a result, opium seizures in Canada
have increased signifi cantly in the past year; however, total seizures remain
relatively low in comparison with other illicit drugs. The majority of opium is
destined for a limited domestic market with a small number of organized crime
groups involved in cross-border smuggling and distribution of opium to the US.
Pharmaceutical OpiatesAccording to the International Narcotics Control
Board (INCB), the abuse of pres-cription drugs is set to exceed consumption of
illicit narcotics worldwide and Canadians are among the heaviest consumers of
pharmaceutical opiates globally. Moreover, the fi ndings of a recent national
study indicate that in many communities across Canada, heroin is being replaced
with prescription drugs such as Oxycodone (e.g. OxyContin) and
Hydromorphone (e.g. Dilaudid). Several organized crime groups, particularly in
Atlantic Canada, are involved in the illicit retail distribution of prescription opiate
drugs.
2010
CocaineCocaine remains one of the most significant illicit drug markets as
indicated by global production levels and Canadian seizure statistics. Interprovincial distribution of cocaine is most often coordinated from B.C., Ontario,
and Quebec, where it is imported and sold at the wholesale level to criminal
groups that subsequently sell it to retail distributors. The U.S. is the primary
transit country for cocaine entering Canada where it is typically smuggled through
highway ports of entry concealed in commercial and personal vehicles. A common
method for smuggling cocaine into Canada from the U.S. is secret compartments
built into the refrigeration units of commercial vehicles. Crack cocaine, a
smokeable form of cocaine, remains relatively concentrated in urban centres
across Canada. Due to its addictive nature and short-lived effects, users
frequently engage in low-level property crimes, robbery and crimes against
persons, often creating pockets of cyclical crime. Street gangs are primarily
involved in retail-level distribution of crack cocaine, mainly from street corners,
crack houses, as well as dial-a-dope systems.
HeroinIn Canada, the heroin market continues to be one of the smallest illicit
drug markets in comparison to the demand for other illicit drugs. The heroin
market has been partially replaced by the use of pharmaceutical opiates,
particularly in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. A limited number of organized
crime groups, mainly in B.C. and Ontario, are involved in importing heroin
primarily from Southwest Asia and Latin America. Heroin enters Canada
primarily through marine and air ports concealed either within commercial
cargo or carried by individuals within their baggage or on their person.
MarihuanaMarihuana remains one of the most trafficked illicit drugs in
Canada, with extensive organized crime involvement at all levels of
production, distribution, importation, and exportation. The domestic market for
cannabis is almost entirely supplied by Canadian-produced marihuana. The
drug is moved inter-provincially from three main production hubs in B.C.,
Ontario, and Quebec to meet domestic demand and to transport large
quantities of marihuana to areas along the Canada-U.S. border for smuggling
into American markets. Most exported Canadian marihuana is destined for the
United States; however, it only accounts for a small percentage of total
marihuana imported in the U.S. Criminals smuggle Canadian-produced
marihuana into the U.S. in exchange for cocaine, firearms, and contraband
tobacco. Recently, U.S. law enforcement has seen a decline in the number of
marihuana seizures along the Canada-U.S. border. This can be attributed to
many factors, including the movement of some Canadian organized crime
group grow operations onto U.S. soil to avoid border detection
MethamphetamineDomestic use of methamphetamine has stabilized;
however, production has risen to meet expanding international market
demands. ‘Super labs,’ capable of producing large amounts of
methamphetamine, cater to international wholesale distributors with export to
countries including Australia and New Zealand. Methamphetamine continues
to be used in Canadian-produced ecstasy as it is cheaper to produce and
increases the profit margin. Canada remains a transit country for the
precursor chemicals used to produce methamphetamine with Canadiansourced pseudoephedrine discovered in some clandestine U.S.
methamphetamine labs.
EcstasyEcstasy is one of the primary illicit drug markets in Canada. Canada
continues to export significant quantities to the U.S. and to a lesser extent,
also supplies Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Precursor chemicals for the
production of ecstasy are smuggled into Canada from source countries such
as China and India on a regular basis. The chemical profile of ecstasy has
shifted towards a cocktail composition that contains decreased quantities of
MDMA, its primary active ingredient, and increased quantities of several
chemical fillers and substances, predominantly methamphetamine, as well as
ketamine, ephedrine and caffeine. The shortage of MDMA precursor
chemicals presently affecting Europe is not currently affecting the illicit
manufacture of ecstasy in Canada.
2005
The illicit drug industry in Canada provides organized crime with oneof its most
financially lucrative criminal endeavours.There is very littleopportunity for
individual criminal entrepreneurs to participatesubstantially in this illicit trade if
they are not in some manner alignedwith, associated to, or supplied by a larger
criminal group. As well, thevarious aspects of this illicit industry often require
resources and expertisethat only organized crime groups can provide or have
access to. InCanada, organized crime either directly controls or indirectly
influencesall aspects of the illicit drug industry whether it be
cultivation,manufacture, importation or distribution.In this year’s report, CISC will
highlight certain illicit drugs that arecurrently in higher demand within the
relatively small illicit drugconsumer population in Canada, including: marihuana,
cocaine, heroinand the chemical-based substances of ecstasy and
methamphetamine.These illicit drugs are available, to varying degrees, in all
regions of Canada, with marihuana clearly the most widely abused illicit
drugsubstance.The reasons for illicit drug usage varies by the drug and
theindividual, but are diverse and sufficient enough to continually maintainan
illicit consumer demand in Canada that can only be supplied throughcriminal
means.Aside from significant quantities of marihuana and some
syntheticchemical drugs, the bulk of illicit drugs consumed in Canada
originatesabroad, and therefore must be smuggled into the country.This
illegalmovement requires considerable planning and organizational capacitiesand
available financial and human resources.Typically it is the moresophisticated
organized crime groups in Canada who possess thenecessary international
criminal contacts in source and transit countriesthat can carry out these
conspiracies. Crime groups involved in thisinternational movement into Canada
are varied. Cannabis Marihuana, hashish and liquid hashish are cannabis
products, each withvarying degrees of consumer popularity in Canada. However,
marihuanausage is much more widespread in all regions of Canada, while
hashishand liquid hashish is less popular with a more narrow consumer base
thatis mainly restricted to Eastern Canada. Consequently, this year’s reportwill
only concentrate on marihuana.The Canadian marihuana market is supplied
predominantly bydomestically cultivated products that is supplemented to some
degree byquantities of marihuana smuggled into Canada from foreign sources
suchas the Caribbean and Mexico. It is unclear precisely the quantityof marihuana
grown in Canada but law enforcement is continuallydismantling grow operations
of all sizes in every region of Canada.Initially in the middle 1990s, marihuana grow
operations wereconcentrated mainly in British Columbia but these operations
graduallyspread eastward through the prairie provinces to Ontario, Quebec
andinto Atlantic Canada.The average marihuana grow operation will contain
hundreds of plants;however, some operations may involve plants in the
thousands. In oneinstance, a grow operation including 30,000 plants was
discovered withina vacant industrial building near Barrie, Ontario.It appears that
the HELLS ANGELS and a number of Vietnamese crimegroups are the
predominant players in the Canadian marihuana growoperation industry.
However, Italian organized crime groups have beenencountered as well as many
semi-independent cultivators and smaller-“The fact of the matter is that
B.C.’smarihuana grow industry is not reallyabout marihuana at all, it is
aboutcocaine and the funding source for othertypes of crime. Police
intelligenceindicates that the marihuana trade isdirectly responsible for
cocainetrafficking, use and related violentcrime.”– RCMP Assistant Commissioner
Gary Bass, Officer-in-Charge, CriminalOperations Branch “E” Division (British
Columbia)
CISC 2005 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada37scale operators.While a
significant quantity of the marihuana cultivatedin Canada is actually destined for
the United States’ market, this Canadiancontribution actually represents a small
portion of the total U.S. illicitconsumption, as Mexico is currently their largest
foreign supplier.HeroinHeroin is a highly addictive drug that, in Canada, is used by
between25,000 to 50,000 addicts that reside mainly within urban
centres,particularly Vancouver,Toronto and Montreal. It is estimated that
betweenone or two tonnes of heroin is required annually to supply this
illicitmarket. Over the last ten years, heroindestined for the Canadian market
hastraditionally originated in Southeast Asia(Golden Triangle). However,
increasingquantities of heroin from both Southwest Asia(Golden Crescent) and
South America arebeing encountered by law enforcement.Southeast Asian
traffickers are involved in themovement of heroin into Canada. As well,there are
some Southwest Asian crime groupsinvolved in smuggling heroin to
Canada.Heroin enters Canada primarily throughmarine and air ports concealed
either withincommercial cargo or carried by individualswithin their baggage or on
their person.CocaineMost cocaine consumed in Canada originatesfrom South
America and travels to Canadaeither directly or through one or more transit
countries.The Caribbean isa significant transit region for the smuggling of cocaine
into Canada. Ofcocaine seized at Canadian points of entry, Jamaica and Haiti were
themajor transit points identified, followed by other islands such as, St. Lucia,St.
Martin and Curaçao. Cocaine transiting the Caribbean enters Canadathrough
international airports, particularly Toronto’s Pearson Internationaland Montreal’s
Pierre Elliot Trudeau, concealed within luggage orcommercial cargo. As well,
cocaine is moved into Canada throughcommercial and private marine
vessels.There is a wide range of crime groups involved in the movement ofcocaine
into Canada including South American-based drug traffickingorganizations, as well
as Italian and Caribbean crime groups and outlawmotorcycle gangs in Canada. As
well, there are independent andunaligned criminal organizations who are also
involved in large-scaleCRIMINAL MARKETSAmajor cocaine smuggling
organizationwas disrupted in September 2004 bynumerous arrests as a result of a
successful jointforces investigation under the name ProjectCALVETTE.This crime
organizationsupplied large quantities of cocaine to associatesand various other
organized crime groupsoperating in Quebec, Ontario and BritishColumbia.The
arrest of four Quebec residentsand the seizure of 750 kilograms of cocainefrom a
sailboat was linked to this organizationas was the seizure of 12 kilograms of
cocainein April 2004 at Sept-Iles, Québec linked to acargo ship from Venezuela.
CISC 2005 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada38smuggling operations
and who either have their own domesticdistribution networks and/or may sell
their contraband to otherorganized crime groups.South American cocaine bound
for the Canadian criminal market alsooften transits through the United States.
Cocaine smuggled from theUnited States is often acquired at distribution centres
in southwesternstates and subsequently moved through Canadian land border
points inBritish Columbia and Southern Ontario. Commercial vehicles
areparticularly favoured as means of cross-border transportation.Synthetic
chemical drugs Synthetic drugs include a wide variety of chemically based illicit
drugsbut for the purposes of this report CISC will concentrate on MDMA(Ecstasy)
and methamphetamine.The rave phenomenon and club drugscene in the 1990s
became to some degree associated to ecstasyconsumption and trafficking and
while still popular, consumption ratesappear to be on the decline in Canada.
However, methamphetamine, achemical that achieved some level of popularity
during the 1970s, has re-emerged and its consumption level is once again on the
increasein Canada.MDMA/EcstasyMDMA (3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or ecstasy, wasdeveloped in Germany in the
early 20th century as an appetitesuppressant but its current illicit attraction is
based upon its hallucinogeniceffects that allegedly heighten one’s senses and
lessens one’s inhibition. Itspopularity with the rave culture also rests on its
stimulant properties thatenables users to continue dancing for hours at all-night
clubs.Western Europe continues to be a major source of the ecstasy, in
eithertablet or powder form, available in Canada. It is smuggled into Canadabya
variety of groups originating from Europe and the Caribbean,through the use of
the postal service, couriers aboard commercial flights,airfreight shipments, and
marine containers. Market demand is also beingmet by domestic producers using
sophisticated synthetic tableting labs.Methamphetamine Methamphetamine use
is on the increase in many parts of the country,but primarily in Western
Canada.The bulk of this methamphetamine ismanufactured domestically in
Canada in small clandestine laboratories,though larger operations capable of
producing 4.54 kg or more in oneproduction cycle have been encountered
occasionally. Given thatpseudoephedrine (PSE), an essential ingredient in the
manufactureof methamphetamine, is available in over the counter
medications“The recent arrest and charges of localcrack cocaine dealers and their
suppliersfrom Calgary proves the existence of alink to, and, support from
organized crimein that larger centre. Any communitywhere illegal drugs are
available mustcombat organized crime. Medicine Hat isnow considered a
franchise area forsuch dealings.”– Chief Norm Boucher,Medicine Hat Police
Service
CISC 2005 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada39(in pharmacies and over
the Internet) several provincial governments havetaken steps to limit their
availability. Organized crime groups involved inthe illicit methamphetamine
industry include outlaw motorcycle gangs,specific Asian crime groups, and
independent organized crime groups.Negative Socio-economic EffectsThe overall
impacts of the illicit drug trade are varied and substantiveaffecting individuals and
their communities.While many of these negativeeffects may be difficult to
quantify, their harm is real and substantive. Ingeneral terms, the illicit drug trade
has impacts on a user’s health; bringsabout additional medical costs; demands
greater law enforcementresources; and may incite conflict and violence between
users andorganized crime groups; in addition to negatively affectingfamily and
friends. Moreover, in order to feed their habits, addicts cancommit a number of
petty and serious crimes such as robbery and assault,break-and-enters, the sale of
stolen property and prostitution.Each illicit drug has a combination of side effects
that bring about bothaphysical and psychological dependence. A tolerance can be
developedfrom addictive drugs, such as methamphetamine, that may force the
userto acquire larger doses and/or use with greater frequency in attempts
toexperience what they believed were the positive effects of the drug.Injected
drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, may enhance the risk ofvarious blood-borne
infections (eg. HIV/AIDS; hepatitis B and C),scarred or collapsed veins, infection of
the heart lining and valves,abscesses, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver and
kidney disease. Althoughecstasy is not known to create physical dependency,
health-related sideeffects including dehydration or hyperthermia have occurred
while usingthe drug at raves and dances, leading to death due to kidney failure
andheart attack.Health risks are heightened due to the unpredictability of
ingredientswithin illicit drugs. As a result, consumers do not always know the
actualcontents of the illicit drug they have purchased nor the purity level of
thedrug.Their intended drug purchase could be laced with other illicit
drugsand/or chemicals or contaminated by fungi or moulds. An unknown
drugcombination can cause serious adverse affects, including death. Aside
fromthese medical problems, illicit drug users can also encounter serious
legalproblems, such as a criminal sentence and subsequent record, which
couldaffect their future employment and travel opportunities.The manufacturing
of illicit drugs, specifically synthetic drugs andmarihuana, pose threats to public
safety and to law enforcement and thehealth services sector, as well as certain
environmental risks. For instance,the chemicals used in the manufacture of
methamphetamine arehazardous with some being highly volatile and at risk to
ignite orCRIMINAL MARKETS
CISC 2005 Annual Report on Organized Crime in Canada40explode if mixed or
stored improperly. Any resultant fire or explosionnot only harms the individuals
involved with at the laboratory but alsothe neighbouring area, its inhabitants and
visitors.Exposure to the toxic chemicals used in the manufacture
ofmethamphetamine could cause intoxication, dizziness, nausea,disorientation,
lack of coordination, pulmonary edema, serious respiratoryproblems, severe
chemical burns, and damage to internal organs.Methamphetamine production
also threatens the environment as atypical laboratory may produce 2.3 kg to 3.2
kg of toxic waste forevery one pound of methamphetamine produced.The
improper disposalof this toxic waste could cause contamination of the soil and
any nearbywater supplies.Marihuana grow operations pose a number of health
and safety risks tothe occupants of the residences in which cultivation occurs, to
theirneighbours and surrounding community.The health risks are linked tothe
increased fire hazard these grow houses represent to themselves andtheir
neighbours. A recent study of grow operations in B.C. concludedthat a fire was 24
times more likely to occur in a grow house than in anordinary dwelling largely
because of the unsafe electrical diversions orbypasses many grow operators use
to circumvent utility meters in orderto steal electricity.They are also linked to the
moulds which result fromthe intense humidity and chemicals used in indoor
marihuana growoperations. Homes that have housed grow operations often
require greateffort and expense to rid them of the moulds and other residues
whichwould otherwise make them unsafe to live in.In terms of safety risks,
neighbours and grow house operators run the riskof being victimized in a “grow
rip”, which occur when a rival group orindividuals violently steal a mature crop.
Grow rips can entail assaults,kidnappings and the use of weapons including
firearms. Safety issues arealso linked to the occasional use of booby traps by grow
house operatorsseeking to protect themselves from potential thieves.
Human Trafficking
2006
Canada continues to be a destination andtransit country for smuggled and
traffickedindividuals, with some people forced into labour or sexually exploited
inenvironments such as private clubs andmassage parlours. However, the scope
ofthese criminal activities in Canada is a smallpercentage of the international (or
even theNorth American) criminal market. Vehicle TheftApproximately 170,000
vehicles are stoleneach year in Canada, with Toronto andMontreal being major
source locations.According to the Insurance Bureau ofCanada, the current rate of
recovery of stolenvehicles is approximately 70% nationally. A significant number
of unrecovered vehicles(especially newer luxury models) are typicallysmuggled by
criminal groups to foreignmarkets concealed in containers and movedthrough the
marine ports of Vancouver,Montreal and Halifax. Other vehicle theftschemes of
note include stripping vehicles ofparts for re-sale and exporting leased
vehiclesafter declaring them stolen.Criminal Markets19According to the United
NationsConvention Against TransnationalOrganized Crime, human smuggling
refersto the facilitation of illegal entry of aperson into a country for financial
gain.In contrast, human trafficking involvesthe displacement of an individual
bymeans of coercion, deceit or violence for the purpose of exploitation.
2007
Individuals smuggled into Canada bypass immigration laws and processes, and
may have serious criminal records, posing a potential threat to public safety.
Alternatively, traffi cked women are often forced into the sex trade to work off
debts or fees (e.g. for being smuggled and for housing) typically in the tens of
thousands of dollars. The victims suffer physical and mental abuse including
sexual assault, torture, starvation, servitude and death threats. There can also
be signifi cant health and social effects on Canadian society as victims often
acquire, and can transmit, sexually transmitted and infectious diseases while
working in the sex trade.
2008
Organized crime groups are actively involved in human smuggling operations
in Canada, facilitating the movement of illegal migrants from several transit
points domestically and internationally. Most human smuggling activity takes
place at border crossings in B.C. and Quebec, and to a lesser extent, Ontario.
Despite activity in both north- and south-bound directions, there is a signifi
cant increase in illegal north-bound migration from the US into Canada. A small
number of organized crime groups, mostly based in B.C. and Quebec, are
involved in the facilitation of international TIP. Conversely, several street gangs
are active within the domestic TIP market for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
These groups facilitate the recruitment, control, movement and exploitation of
Canadian-born females in the domestic sex trade, primarily in strip bars in several
cities across the country.
2005
Migrant smuggling and the trafficking in persons are criminal activities inwhich
organized crime has become involved internationally. The extentof organized
crime’s involvement in these criminal activities in Canadaare proactively
monitored by law enforcement.Trafficking in persons andmigrant smuggling are
sources of significant profit, and help to strengthenand expand the capacities of
criminal organizations internationally.Thedistinction between migrant smuggling
and trafficking in persons is animportant one, as smuggling implies consent while
the latter impliescoercion. According to the United Nations Convention
AgainstTransnational Organized Crime, migrant smuggling refers to thefacilitation
of illegal entry of a person into a country for financial gain.The trafficking in
persons, on the other hand, involves the displacementof an individual by means
of coercion, deceit or violence for the purposeof exploitation. Frequently, this
involves the sexual exploitation of womenand children, but also includes men and
women trafficked for the purposeof forced labour or other services in debt
bondage.Although they represent very different offences, there are many
parallelsbetween illegal migrant smuggling and trafficking, such as
theinternational displacement of individuals and their illegal entry into
acountry.There are also additional elements to the smuggling of illegalmigrants
that impacts on law enforcement’s ability to detect anddetermine the extent of
the trafficking in persons.The smuggling andtrafficking of individuals operate
simultaneously. As a result, it is possiblethat within the same illegal movement,
there are both smuggled andtrafficked individuals. Moreover, since a number of
potential traffickedvictims are entering or transiting to the U.S., it is difficult for
lawenforcement to determine whether intercepted individuals were destinedfor
commercial exploitation.
The smuggling of individuals across borders for the purpose of illegalmigration or
trafficking requires the ability and capacity to coordinate thetransportation of
these individuals. As a result, the criminal organizationsinvolved are generally
highly sophisticated. Some of these organizedcrime groups in Canada have the
ability to coordinate the transportationof individuals from source countries to
their final destination. Othergroups or sub-groups within a larger criminal
network specialize in oneelement, whether that be to organize the transportation
of individualsacross the border to the U.S., or in the acquisition of false or
stolendocuments, including passports and visas. Such specializations allow
someorganized crime groups to undertake contracts for their smugglingservices
on behalf of other groups.Thus, one shipment can entail a mixof individuals from
various originating countries and ethnicities. Forexample, a smuggler was arrested
in January 2005 trying to smuggleChinese nationals and an Albanian into the U.S.
through a train tunnel,linking Ontario to Michigan. In another incident last
August, a Chineseand a Pakistani national were detained after they had been
assistedcrossing into the U.S. on a freight train from Canada. Many illegalmigrants
enter Canada intending to remain here, while others are intransit to the U.S.
Smuggling fees paid by some migrants to arrive inCanada have ranged from
approximately US$20,000-$50,000 per person.While some criminal organizations
in Canada specialize in migrantsmuggling, some are also involved in the smuggling
of other commodities,particularly illicit drugs such as cocaine and marihuana,
firearms andcurrency. Moreover, some of these groups possess the technical
skills tomanufacture and/or have access to counterfeit documents or
falsifygenuine documents to facilitate the transportation phase of thesmuggling
operation.Although significant media attention was focused on large numbers
ofindividuals entering the west coast of Canada on ships in the summerof 1999,
information indicates that most individuals illegally enteringthe country come by
air and over land by car, train or on foot over aland border area. Individuals are
smuggled to the U.S. at border areasacross the country, but are particularly
concentrated in Ontario andBritish Columbia.Primarily a transit and destination
country, persons are smuggled intoCanada for the purpose of forced labour and
sexual exploitation. For themost part, trafficked victims transiting Canada are
destined for the U.S.The trafficking of persons may also occur within Canada
across provinces.Historically, Asian and Eastern European organized crime groups
inCanada have been most involved in the trafficking of women fromcountries
such as China, South Korea,Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Russia and from
the region of Latin America.Worldwide,profits generated by human trafficking are
reported to compete withsignificant other criminal markets, such as the illicit
trade in drugs andfirearms. In April 2005, the first person to be charged in Canada
withhuman trafficking occurred in British Columbia.
Migrant smuggling and the trafficking in persons present health and
safetyrisks.Traded as commodities frequently without regard to their safety
orwell-being, trafficked individuals are displaced from their homes and oftenheld
involuntarily, usually through the use of threat of violence towardsthemselves
and/or their family.Trafficking in persons is increasinglyviewed as a violation of
human rights.Should the market for trafficked victims increase in Canada or
thedemand increase in the U.S., then the numbers of victims requiring helpfrom
governmental and social services will expand.Trafficking in personsmay also be
associated with an increase in violence between criminalorganizations vying for a
portion of this lucrative market.The illegal entry of migrants into Canada
threatens the integrity ofthe formal immigration process. Illegal migration has an
impact onimmigrants arriving legally into the country, as the costs associated
withdeportation and immigration hearings divert resources away from
thosearriving through legitimate processes.The integrity of citizenshipdocuments
are also undermined as counterfeit and falsified documentsare frequently used,
particularly passports and visas. Furthermore, since anumber of individuals
arriving in Canada illegally are actually in transit tothe U.S., a significant increase
in the number of migrants smuggled ortrafficking victims to the U.S. could place
additional strain on lawenforcement resources in both countries.Internationally,
organized crime makes use of legitimate businesses duringtheir smuggling and
trafficking operations, typically in the transportationand travel industry, in order
to avail themselves of such services or tooperate them.The international
movement of individuals across borders,whether with illegal migrants or
trafficked victims, can be facilitated byco-opted employees connected to the
transportation and travel industries.These methods of operation challenge law
enforcement as they provide aseemingly legitimate cover used by the majority of
people that travelinternationally on a daily basis.Like most organized criminal
activity, there are associated impacts to thetrafficking in persons and migrant
smuggling. Since the smuggling routesand methods of transportation can be used
for any type of commodity,criminal groups will take advantage of these resources
to expand their trafficking activities to include for example, illicit drugs. Increased
profitsfrom illegal migrants and trafficking activities, in addition to thesmuggling
and trafficking of other commodities, helps to expand thecapacities and
operational scope of criminal organizations.