B.C. and Washington State launch cross-border crime partnership to tackle extortion and drugs

British Columbia and Washington State announced a new cross-border law enforcement partnership Tuesday to tackle shared criminal challenges including organized crime, extortion, and the illicit drug trade.

The Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum, held September 1 in Esquimalt, brought together senior law enforcement officials and experts from both jurisdictions to share information and best practices. B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the initiative will allow the region to crack down on offenders "more effectively." She emphasized that enforcement around the drug crisis would be central to the partnership, adding: "British Columbia's longstanding partnership with Washington State remains strong. Our cross-border co-ordination and co-operation is helping to tackle tough challenges, such as organized crime, extortion and the illicit drug trade that harm people and businesses in B.C. communities."

John R. Batiste, chief of the Washington State Patrol, said in a statement: "Every single day of the year, Washington and B.C. law-enforcement professionals work together for the safety of those we serve. Crime knows no border, and the Washington State Patrol knows no better friends than our colleagues to the north. These gatherings allow us to be better prepared for the ever-changing challenges we face together."

B.C. also announced a new pilot project called Track and Trace to address the toxic-drug crisis. The initiative uses digital technology and lab robotics to analyze and track the flow of illicit drugs, and can create early-warning systems to alert communities of increased danger from specific substances.

John Brewer, assistant commissioner and acting commanding officer for the BC RCMP, said: "Focusing on the strength of our partnership is essential in keeping our communities across borders safe and secure. By working closely with the Washington State Patrol and other agencies to share intelligence and co-ordinate enforcement efforts, we aim to disrupt criminal activity wherever it occurs."

Cross-border co-operation has previously helped weaken extortion networks operating across the region. Officials also shared lessons learned from public safety work during the FIFA World Cup in both Vancouver and Seattle.