|
|
|
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY REPORT, MARCH 1996: CANADA
United States Department of State
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
I. Summary
Canada is a conduit for illicit drugs bound for the United States, and
some illicit drugs destined for the Canadian market come from or through
the United States. The Government of Canada (GOC) discourages narcotics
abuse and trafficking within its borders, cooperates closely with the
United States Government (USG) and participates in international anti-
drug fora to control the illicit drug trade.
Canada has been a target for drug-related money laundering because of
its open financial system, high volume of cross-border trade with the
United States, and lack of legal reporting requirements for large cash
transactions. Canada criminalized money laundering in 1989, and anti-
money laundering laws include asset seizure and forfeiture laws.
GOC authorities continue to believe that precursor and essential
chemicals are diverted to illicit drug manufacturers, and that a portion
enters the United States at land border crossings. The precursor
chemicals involved are used mainly in the manufacture of
methamphetamine.
II. Status of Country
Canada's solid institutions, responsive government, fair judiciary, and
competent law enforcement agencies have fostered public respect for the
law. As a result, narcotics abuse has remained a manageable problem.
The GOC emphasizes demand reduction, but is also active in domestic and
international supply control efforts.
Cannabis remains the principal illicit substance of abuse in Canada.
Authorities believe that up to 50% of cannabis consumed in Canada is
produced locally, much of it grown hydroponically. Cocaine (including
crack) is the second most popular drug. Authorities estimate a
population of over 250,000 cocaine users and approximately 35,000-40,000
heroin users in Canada.
III. Country Actions Against Drugs in 1995
Policy Initiatives. The House of Commons passed a bill in the Fall of
1995 that would bring Canada's drug control legislation further into
compliance with the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which Canada ratified in
1990. The bill provides a comprehensive framework for controlling the
import, production, export, distribution and use of illicit substances,
and provides procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of proceeds from
narcotics-related offenses.
Agreements and Treaties. The GOC and the USG have long-standing
agreements on law enforcement cooperation, including a Mutual Legal
Assistance Treaty and a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement. On March
23, 1995, the United States and Canada signed an Asset Sharing Agreement
to strengthen joint investigations. Prior to the agreement, the United
States shared the proceeds of seized assets, but Canada had no
reciprocal policy.
The GOC participates in several international anti-drug fora including
the Dublin Group, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Inter-
American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American
States (CICAD), and the United Nations International Drug Control
Program (UNDCP). According to UNDCP, Canada pledged approximately
$511,000 in FY95 contributions to UNDCP. The GOC also contributed about
$63,000 to CICAD during the same period.
Law Enforcement Efforts. GOC statistics for the first ten months of
1995 report cocaine seizures of 1,022 kg, down from 7,915 kg in 1994;
2,900 dosage units of LSD, down from 32,829 in 1994; marijuana seizures
of 1,648 kg, up from 901 kg in 1994; hashish seizures of 9,945 kg, down
from 36,614 kg in 1994; and heroin seizures of 101 kg, up from 85 kg in
1994. While heroin and cocaine trafficking arrests declined during this
period, cannabis trafficking arrests rose from 1,750 to 2,383.
Corruption. Public corruption is not considered a problem in Canada.
The GOC does not tolerate drug trafficking or the laundering of drug
money among its officials, and prosecutes all suspected cases of
malfeasance.
Cultivation/Production. GOC authorities believe marijuana is grown for
personal use in Canada, but not exported. Authorities seized 288,083
marijuana plants in 1994.
Drug Flow/Transit. Drugs are smuggled into Canada for domestic use and
for transshipment to the United States. Some illicit drugs destined for
the Canadian market come from or through the United States. Heroin and
marijuana arrive by both sea and land; cocaine and hashish arrive by
sea. Traffickers use couriers, hide drugs in commercial shipments, and
access international mail to move drugs.
Demand Reduction. The GOC emphasizes demand reduction in its drug
control strategy. The Canadian government and non-governmental
organizations offer drug abuse education programs which target groups
deemed to be most at risk of using illicit drugs.
IV. US Policy Initiatives and Programs
Bilateral Cooperation. The United States and Canada enjoy excellent law
enforcement cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts. Canadian and US
customs services work closely to control drug smuggling, and share
enforcement-generated assets and personnel.
The Road Ahead. The United States looks forward to building on
excellent law enforcement cooperation with Canada, and will encourage
the GOC's continued support and participation in international anti-drug
fora such as the Dublin Group.
|
