How Mexican cartels and Chinese criminal networks are moving ‘cocaine of the sea’ through Canadian ports
Chinese organized crime networks and Mexican cartels are using Canadian ports as a hub for trading highly valuable fish bladders for precursor chemicals needed to manufacture fentanyl, a deadly opioid. A memo from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) revealed that this illegal trade involves the transportation of totoaba fish bladders from the West Coast to China, while the chemical precursors for fentanyl are smuggled through Canadian ports.
The report, obtained by Radio-Canada through a freedom of information request, highlighted that Canada is being exploited as a “transit point” for this illicit trade. The memo pointed out that organized criminal networks, collaborating with Chinese triads and Mexican cartels, are facilitating the movement of totoaba fish bladders. The document also identified a new criminal network called the “Dragon Cartel,” composed of Chinese and Mexican nationals, specifically dedicated to trafficking totoaba.
According to the CBSA report, the Port of Vancouver is a strategic location for these illegal activities due to its connectivity to Asian and European markets. The port serves as a gateway for the exchange of totoaba fish bladders and fentanyl precursor chemicals between criminal groups. The memo also mentioned that individuals in Canada are involved in the illicit import, export, and breeding of protected species, further complicating efforts to combat this illegal trade.
Totoaba fish bladders are highly sought after in the Chinese black market, where they can fetch prices as high as $80,000 per kilogram. This lucrative trade has led to a surge in poaching of totoaba fish, endangering the species and causing collateral damage to other marine life. The illegal transportation of totoaba swim bladders is often disguised alongside legal fish products, making detection and interception challenging for authorities.
The revelation of this illegal trade comes at a time when there is increased scrutiny on the flow of fentanyl from Canada. The opioid crisis has had devastating consequences in both Canada and the United States, with tens of thousands of deaths attributed to fentanyl overdoses. While efforts are being made to stem the flow of fentanyl, the complex nature of international criminal networks and the vast volume of cargo passing through ports pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
In response to the growing fentanyl crisis, Canada has appointed a fentanyl czar and committed to strengthening border security measures. The authorities are also considering designating cartels as terrorist organizations to combat the illicit drug trade more effectively. However, the interconnected nature of global organized crime networks and the lucrative nature of the trade make it a formidable challenge to eradicate completely.
As the illegal trade of totoaba fish bladders and fentanyl precursor chemicals continues to thrive through Canadian ports, authorities face an uphill battle in disrupting these criminal networks. The collaboration between Chinese organized crime and Mexican cartels underscores the need for international cooperation and enhanced enforcement efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and protect vulnerable marine species.
