Alberta has announced the establishment of a new Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) aimed at strengthening border security along the province’s 298-kilometre international boundary with the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz Nov 26, 2024,/ Credit: Alberta Newsroom
This is in response to President-elect Trump’s threat to impose tariffs if Canada does not secure the border.
The initiative seeks to address illegal drug smuggling, firearm trafficking, and unauthorized border crossings.
Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the importance of enhancing border security, stating, “We cannot take concerns about border security lightly. By establishing this new team of sheriffs at our southern border, we are actively working to address security concerns and stop the criminals whose activities are destroying lives on both sides of the border.”
A newly established Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT), operated by Alberta Sheriffs, will lead these efforts. The team is equipped with:
- 51 officers trained in tactical operations and armed with carbine rifles.
- 10 support staff, including analysts and dispatchers.
- Four drug patrol dogs to assist in searches.
- 10 surveillance drones designed for cold weather and high winds.
- Four narcotics analyzers to test for illegal substances.
As part of the initiative, a two-kilometre “critical border zone” will be established under the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act. This zone will enable officers to detain individuals suspected of trafficking illegal drugs or firearms or attempting unauthorized border crossings without a warrant.
Per the news release, the regulations will not affect those travelling legally on Alberta highways and roads.
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, underscored the province’s commitment to tackling cross-border criminal activities. “Alberta’s government is ramping up border enforcement. We have long recognized the need for additional capacity to patrol Alberta’s vulnerable international borders,” he said.