MONTREAL – The federal government is targeting organized criminal gangs by redesignating 11 "signature activities" as serious Criminal Code offences.
Illegal gambling and certain prostitution and drug crimes would be punishable by prison terms of five years or more, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced Wednesday.
The minister said the regulatory changes would not require approval from Parliament.
The serious offense designation would apply to suspected gangsters.
If convicted of one of the newly-designated charges, a gangster would have to serve their sentence in addition to any other convictions.
Nicholson says the new regulations take effect immediately.
