Canada Law

There has been a lot of public outcry about the efficiency and efforts of the Canadian forces in dealing with the issues of organized crime,

since this type of crime seems to be an ever-present threat that greatly worries the general public. However, contrary to what has been said, the

Canadian Forces are in fact putting forth a huge effort and are doing enough to fight organized crime in Canada. These efforts of the Canadian

authorities are evident in the new laws that are being passed to fight drug smuggling, the more harsh arrests being made dealing with gang crimes

and violence, and in the presence of Canadian forces at the borders of Canada and the United States.

There have been great efforts put forth by the Canadian authorities in the fight against illegal substances, and since the trafficking and

smuggling of illegal drugs is an offense that is notoriously associated with organized crime, these efforts have been extremely efficient in stifling

organized crime. The efforts of the Canadian forces are clear when considering the increased amount of drug busts and the new stricter laws that

have recently been put out dealing with the issues of illegal drugs. In the year 2000, 1,102,198 marijuana plants were seized by Canadian authorities.

In 2001, 1,367,321 plants were seized and in 2003, 1,400,026 plants were seized. It is clear that each year more and more plants are being

discovered due to the increased awareness of the Canadian forces. Also, in 2004, Canadian law enforcement seized 20,100 marijuana plants in the

largest indoor marijuana bust in Canada. Between 2000-2003 Canadian authorities seized 7.8 metric tons of marijuana at the U.S./Canadian borders,

at the Canadian ports of entry. They also seized 4.7 metric tons of cocaine and 305 kilograms of heroin. The amount of Ecstasy pills seized at

Canadian ports of entry has drastically increased, from multi-thousand quantities in the 90's to over 2 million in 2000, then incredibly 5.64 million

tablets were seized in 2003. Along with the huge busts at the borders, Canadian law enforcement busted 6 MDMA (Ecstasy) labs in 2000, 8 in 2001,

11 in 2002 and 12 in 2003. The increased amount of drug busts clearly shows the effort put into the situation by Canadian forces. Apart from these

great efforts in fighting drug smuggling, the "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act" was released in 1997 which modernized Canada's drug laws,

and with Police Enforcement Regulations, provided exemptions from liability for police when they are involved in drug investigations. Also the IPOC

(Integrated Proceeds of Crime) began in 1996-97. Its objectives are to identify, seize, restrain and forfeit illicit and unreported wealth which is made

through organized crime. IPOC has removed a lot of incentive for engaging and participating in organized crime. An example of what IPOC has done

would be Project Ouragon in Ottawa, Ontario. This investigation was targeted towards 3 organized criminal cells. Two of these were dealing with

large-scale marijuana growing operations. One of the leaders from one of these groups was violent in his attempt to control territory and was charged

with conspiracy to murder. After the investigation, his home, cottage, boat and cash were seized, which valued over $800,000. The head of the

second group became wealthy through growing marijuana as well. Four point seven million in cash and property was seized and restrained, including

his house which was worth $2.9 million. Through efforts like these, it is evident that IPOC has done a great job in many drug bust operations and has

lowered the incentive to try and engage in any organized crime activity.

When considering the issue of gang violence and crimes, it is easy to see that Canadian forces are definitely doing their job as they have

recently been making extremely harsh arrests concerning this type of crime. For instance, two Hell's Angels members were arrested in 2001 and

sentenced to 20 years in prison, after being found guilty on five charges that included conspiracy to traffic drugs, conspiracy to commit murder and

participation in a criminal organization. These two Hell's Angels members had earned more then $11 million in profits from cocaine and hash, and

they were rightly given the harsh punishment of a long prison sentence by the Canadian forces. Additionally, in January 2006 Canadian police

arrested 27 Hell's Angels members after a two-year long investigation of the criminal organization in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Two point three

million dollars worth of cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and other illegal narcotics were seized from