Canada and its G7 partners are intensifying their efforts to confront transnational organized crime.
Moreover, the ministers meeting in Ottawa agreed that global crime groups now operate with greater reach and sophistication.
As a result, they committed to actions designed to disrupt how these networks finance their activities.
In addition, their joint statement described the groups as driven by profit, power and influence.
Furthermore, the ministers said confronting these networks requires steady co-operation and shared understanding.
They also said that new approaches are needed to keep pace with fast-changing methods.
For example, they pointed to tools used in counterterrorism and cybersecurity that can help address emerging threats.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree noted that several pressures now overlap across borders.
He said that organized crime increasingly connects with terrorism, cyberattacks and the exploitation of migrants.
Therefore, he argued that law enforcement must link information across different areas to respond effectively.
Additionally, he said these converging challenges are unlike those faced in past decades.
The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
Consequently, the partners said their cooperation remains essential to limiting the influence of criminal networks.
European commissioner Magnus Brunner said criminal groups involved in the drug trade operate globally.
Thus, he stressed the need to share data, information and policy tools across jurisdictions.
Concerns raised by Washington about fentanyl flows into the United States also surfaced during the meetings.
However, Mr. Anandasangaree said he spoke mainly about Canada’s plans to strengthen border security.
He added that trade matters were not part of his mandate for the sessions.
The ministers reaffirmed their aim to disrupt the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.
This includes fentanyl, opioids and precursor chemicals used in illegal manufacturing.
In parallel, the partners examined migrant smuggling and efforts by authoritarian states to intimidate diaspora communities.
They also assessed online challenges linked to extremist content, cybercrime and child exploitation.
To address smuggling networks, the G7 endorsed a follow-the-money strategy supported by financial intelligence.
They also agreed to study potential sanctions, including travel measures, targeting those who enable irregular migration.
Furthermore, the ministers welcomed voluntary steps by industry to limit extremist material on digital platforms.
They said smaller companies need access to tools and expertise to reduce misuse.
Additionally, the partners called for stronger digital literacy to help protect users from radicalization.
They also urged technology companies to accelerate efforts to detect and remove child exploitation material.
