The RCMP "C" Division is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police division responsible for federal policing in the Province of Quebec. It employs approximately 1,500 police officers, civilian members, and public servants.[1] Its mandate focuses on financial integrity, national and border security, and organized crime enforcement. Unlike RCMP divisions in other provinces that provide contract policing for municipalities, "C" Division is strictly dedicated to enforcing federal statutes.[1]
"C" Division is headquartered in Montreal and operates detachments across the province. These detachments are organized geographically into two primary districts: East and West.
Map of "C" Division detachments
History
The North-West Mounted Police, created in 1873, was renamed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1920.[2] That same year, the federal government authorized the establishment of the first RCMP detachment in Quebec, located in Montreal at 283 Sherbrooke Street. The detachment was initially staffed by ten members. Later in 1920, a one-man detachment was opened in Quebec City.
Between 1920 and 1932, the RCMP's operations in Quebec were designated as a district without a specific alphabetical letter, unlike other regions such as "A" Division (Eastern Ontario). In 1932, the RCMP absorbed the Customs and Excise Preventive Service, which expanded its role in maritime and border enforcement by adding 175 members and 35 vessels. Following this expansion, the Quebec district was officially designated as "C" Division.
Significant historical events
RCMP "C" Division has provided security for several major international events held in Quebec:
Visit of Charles de Gaulle (1967): The division was involved in security during French President Charles de Gaulle's visit to Expo 67.[3]
October Crisis (1970): The RCMP operated against the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). The subsequent McDonald Commission (1977–1981) investigated the force's activities during this period, leading to the creation of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the separation of domestic intelligence responsibilities from the RCMP.
2001 Summit of the Americas: The RCMP played a central role in the security operation for the summit in Québec City, which was attended by 34 heads of state and saw significant alter-globalization protests.
Services
The division's primary focus is enforcing federal statutes, with specific emphasis on organized crime, financial integrity, and national security.
Organized crime enforcement
The division targets groups defined by the Criminal Code as criminal organizations.
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU): A joint unit involving municipal and provincial partners to investigate high-level organized crime.
Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit (IPOC): This unit focuses on seizing assets acquired through criminal activities, working with forensic accountants and other agencies.
Financial integrity
Integrated Technological Crime Unit (ITCU): Investigates cybercrimes of national scope, including computer intrusion and data mischief. It focuses on cases where the federal government is the victim or where the crime impacts national critical infrastructure.
Integrated Market Enforcement Team (IMET): Investigates serious capital markets fraud that threatens investor confidence, including fraudulent manipulation of stock markets and false financial statements.
Border integrity
The Border Integrity Program secures Canada's borders against illegal movement of people and goods.[4]
Customs and Excise Section: Investigates smuggling of illicit alcohol, tobacco, and other contraband.
Immigration and Passport Section: Targets organized human smuggling and document forgery.
Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBET): Collaborative units working with U.S. agencies to secure the shared border.
National security
The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) investigates threats to national security, including espionage, terrorism, and extremism.
Major investigations
Project Colisée
Concluded in 2006, Project Colisée was a four-year investigation into the Rizzuto crime family. It was the largest raid against the Italian Mafia in Canadian history, involving 700 officers. The operation resulted in 90 arrests, including leaders Nicolo Rizzuto and Paolo Renda, and the seizure of $4 million.[5] Charges included racketeering and bookmaking, with the organization's illegal betting operations estimated to have generated over $26 million in 18 months.
Project Celsius
In 2012, the RCMP arrested nine individuals connected to the importation of 43.3 metric tonnes of hashish. The investigation, which began in 2010, tracked drugs originating from Afghanistan and moving through Pakistan to ports in Montreal and Halifax. The operation involved cooperation with authorities in Belgium, Italy, and the United States.[6]
Project Chabanel
In May 2006, the RCMP seized 22.5 tons of hashish off the coast of Angola. The operation involved the RCMP chartering a vessel to meet a supply ship in international waters. After the drugs were transferred, the RCMP vessel returned to Montreal under the surveillance of the HMCS Fredericton. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals linked to the West End Gang.[7]
Project Compote
Between 1990 and 1994, the RCMP operated a fake currency exchange known as the Centre international monétaire de Montréal. Officers posing as tellers gathered evidence on drug money laundering. The operation concluded with 46 arrests and the interception of $160 million in illicit funds.[8]
Project Cléopâtre
In 2006, the Aboriginal Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (A-CFSEU) dismantled a network trafficking marijuana and ecstasy to the United States. The operation resulted in 36 arrests and 125 charges.
Norbourg investigation
The RCMP's Integrated Market Enforcement Team investigated the Norbourg scandal, a major mutual fund fraud. In 2008, 922 criminal charges were laid against six individuals, including CEO Vincent Lacroix, for fraud totaling approximately $95 million.[9]
Community and public relations
Healthy Enterprise Certification: In 2012, the division received the "Healthy Enterprise – Elite" certification from the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ), recognizing its workplace health practices.[10]
Pipes and Drums: "C" Division maintains a Pipes and Drums band based in Montreal, composed of police and civilian volunteers who perform at community and official functions.
Ceremonial Troop: Established in 1988, this unit participates in public events and charity functions.
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