Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jun 2005
Source: Mayerthorpe Freelancer (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 The Freelancer
Contact:  http://www.mayerthorpefreelancer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/733
Author: Tyler Waugh, Hinton Parklander
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

GOVERNMENT PREPARES TO LIMIT METH MAKERS

"We Shouldn't Be Wasting Any Time Getting These Tools into the Hands 
of the RCMP."

Parliament is moving to make it harder for crystal methamphetamine 
producers to get the ingredients they need to do some cooking.

The federal government, in a statement made June 10, announced its 
intention to crack down on certain 'precursor' meth ingredients by 
amending the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield introduced private members bill C-349 
just more than a month ago, which would allow, among other things, 
the RCMP to lay charges for the possession of meth precursors.

"Fortunately, governments are beginning to wake up to this growing 
social menace," Merrifield said. "Crystal meth is devastating 
individuals, families and communities in Yellowhead and across the nation."

The proposed government amendments to the CDSA are similar to the 
those called for in Merrifield's bill.

Both call for increased restrictions on substances like hydriotic 
acid and red phosphorus.

One substance from C-349 not included in the proposed government 
amendments was acetone.

"They didn't adopt it and I'm OK with that ," Merrifield said.

"The fact that the minister and his government have moved ahead with 
this is a positive step."

It could have taken until the fall just to have Merrifield's bill 
brought forward in Parliament, but with the government adopting many 
of his suggestions already, he can move forward with other ideas.

"I would really like to push for minimum sentencing for possession 
and trafficking," Merrifield said.

"Also, if children are in the vicinity of a lab, then I would like to 
see it classified as abuse. Children should not be subjected to this at all."

Merrifield also referred to a two-day summit held earlier this month 
between ministers from the Western provinces and the northern territories.

He said the focus was on crystal meth and other addictions.

"It is encouraging to see all levels of government starting to become 
involved," he said, noting that concern on this issue is crossing 
party and geographical lines.

"I have been astounded by the other members who have come forward."

The proposals are now subject to a 75-day public consultation period. 
Hopefully, said Merrifield, the proposals can pass sometime in the fall.

"We shouldn't be wasting any time getting these tools into the hands 
of the RCMP. This legislation can affect thousands of lives," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake