New measures aimed at organized crime, justice minister says
The Conservative government has added 11 offences to the Criminal Code in a bid to give law enforcement more options for probing and prosecuting organized crime. Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced the additions Wednesday, which cover gaming and betting, keeping a common bawdy-house, and various Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences. Nicholson said the changes will help close loopholes in existing legislation and allow authorities to use organized crime legislation for its intended purpose when these crimes are involved. A government backgrounder released to the media suggested that when organized crime groups are involved in activities that are not considered to be serious crimes—offences that carry sentences upon conviction of less than five years—authorities have fewer options to investigate and prosecute them. The new regulations will come into effect by executive decision of the federal cabinet.