Two funding programs are being offered to police services across the province to strengthen border security.
The provincial government is making $32.5 million available to municipal and First Nation police services.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner says keeping the border secure is a priority.
“Protecting Ontario starts with strong borders,” says Kerzner.
“We’re giving police the tools they need to stop illegal guns, drugs and organized crime before they reach our communities because every illegal firearm or shipment of drugs intercepted at the border is one less threat to Ontario families.”
Thirty million has been set aside for the purchase of specialized equipment, such as drones, marine vessels, radar, thermal imaging cameras, surveillance systems and secure intelligence technology.
The remaining $2.5 million is available for investigations into cross-border criminal activity, such as illegal firearms, human trafficking and drug smuggling.
OPP Superintendent Mark Lucas says protecting the border is done in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP, the lead agencies at the border.
“In close collaboration with our partner agencies, the OPP is working to maintain the security and integrity of the Canada-US border by deterring, detecting and disrupting criminal activity,” says Lucas.
“The OPP has implemented increased proactive patrols in the air, on land and on waterways as part of this broader provincial initiative.”
The provincial funding comes as part of an enforcement initiative that has been tagged as Operation Deterrence, launched last year.
It has since led to the seizure of more than 550 illegal firearms, over 4,100 kilograms of cocaine and 190 kilograms of fentanyl by law enforcement at border crossings across the province.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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