Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jan 2005
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2005 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.paherald.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

REVISED DRUG LAWS NEEDED

Focus has been growing in recent weeks on the need to reclassify 
methamphetamines as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

Right now, meth is considered a less serious Schedule 3 drug than Schedule 
1 drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. Is this off base? Yes. Should the 
law be changed by Parliament? Absolutely.

But is changing the act is going to do anything to help communities ravaged 
by the effects of crystal meth? Not really.

Calling for housekeeping in the Controlled Substances Act on this issue is 
like vacuuming the carpet in a house where the roof is caving in.

Police forces need the resources to find -- and safely deal with -- the 
labs creating the drugs.

Spaces need to open up in rehab centres so addicts who get arrested can get 
the help they need sooner rather than later. The incredibly strong grip 
created by meth means that in-patient treatment is often necessary.

Unfortunately, what is needed to tackle methamphetamines will be expensive. 
It is easier for politicians to take a stand on the legal issues 
surrounding this issue than find the money to actually attack the problem 
on the street.

Sentencing under Schedule 3 still allows for 10-year sentences, which is 
considered significant jail time on a drug charge. It is enough, in most 
cases, for prosecutors to work with until the laws change.

The City of Prince Albert has two resolutions going to the Saskatchewan 
Urban Municipalities Association convention. One calls for the change in 
classification of methamphetamines in the Controlled Substances Act. The 
other calls for an action plan in the province to crack down on the 
trafficking of the substance.

Together, these two resolutions create the right approach. Changes to 
sentencing laws mean nothing if there are no resources to bring offenders 
before the courts.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D