Trump ally on Canada’s fentanyl talk: Not good enough
…instrumental in creating. Improved intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies in Canada and the U.S. to target criminal networks operating in both countries. And greater efforts to crack down on the individuals and institutions facilitating the flow of illicit funds, such as the recent case involving TD Bank.
Asher believes that Canada must take a more proactive stance in combating the fentanyl crisis, not only for the sake of its own citizens but also to address the growing impact on the United States. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the problem, rather than just focusing on seizing pills at the border.
The recent threat of tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump has brought the issue to the forefront, but it remains unclear what specific actions the U.S. is seeking from Canada. Asher, who has worked closely on fentanyl policy under Trump, stresses the importance of addressing the systemic issues that enable the fentanyl trade to thrive.
At a security summit in Vancouver, Asher highlighted Canada’s role as a hub for money laundering and criminal networks, citing cities like Vancouver and Toronto as key hubs for illicit activities. He called for stronger laws targeting racketeering and money laundering, as well as improved intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies.
The recent bust of a massive fentanyl superlab in British Columbia underscores the need for urgent action. With enough fentanyl and ingredients to produce millions of doses, the operation highlights the scale of the problem and the growing export operations fueling the crisis.
As Canada grapples with the fentanyl epidemic, Asher urges policymakers to take a more proactive stance in tackling the issue. By implementing stronger laws, improving intelligence-sharing, and cracking down on money laundering, Canada can make a meaningful impact in combating the fentanyl crisis and disrupting the criminal networks fueling it. The time for action is now, he says, and the stakes are too high to ignore.
