Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 Source: Globe and Mail (Canada) Copyright: 2005, The Globe and Mail Company Contact: http://www.globeandmail.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168 Author: Jane Armsrtong Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) USERS' FAMILIES WELCOME CRYSTAL METH CRACKDOWN 'It's An Awful Drug,' Addict's Mother Says VANCOUVER -- Longer jail sentences for crystal methamphetamine dealers and users might never help Brenda Richardson's addicted son, but the Victoria woman is glad Ottawa is cracking down on those who produce and peddle the substance that is sometimes called poor man's cocaine. "It's such an awful drug," said Ms. Richardson, who has witnessed her 25-year-old son, Aaron, plunge into methamphetamine-induced psychotic episodes. Once an ace student, Aaron now spends his days watching science programs on television. Like scores of other Canadians affected by crystal methamphetamine -- or meth as it's called on the street -- Ms. Richardson welcomed the stricter sentences, saying it sends a message to users, dealers, police and prosecutors that production of the drug is a serious crime. "Right now, anyone can make it if you've got a bathroom," Ms. Richardson said. "It would be nice if they could make it harder to get." Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced the changes at a news conference in Vancouver yesterday. The maximum penalty for production and distribution has been increased to life imprisonment from 10 years. The maximum penalty for possession rises to seven years from three. The changes put crystal meth in the same league as heroin and cocaine. "We are making a clear and unambiguous statement about the gravity of the offence and about the responsibility of the offender," Mr. Cotler told reporters, adding the changes give law enforcement officials more teeth to go after dealers. "It will be law in action, not just law on the books." Mr. Cotler said Ottawa is aware of the ravages the drug causes, adding the tougher sentences will have an impact. Police were also pleased with the changes, saying they hope the tougher sentences will deter prospective dealers. "You just look at how many people have died from crystal meth," said RCMP Corporal Tom Seamanin of British Columbia's E Division. Crystal Meth has swept across Western Canada, causing alarm among police, youth workers and health authorities. The drug arrived about five years ago on the West Coast, landing first in Vancouver's club scene. Like ecstasy, it gives users energy and stamina for all-night dance raves. However, it is highly toxic and can cause irreparable brain damage. It can also induce psychosis. In Vancouver, youth workers say the drug has caused mayhem at shelters when out-of-control users arrive in a psychotic state. While meth has made inroads into the middle class, the population it has gripped the most tightly is street kids. In addition to dulling hunger and fatigue, it is cheap. A "point" of meth, meaning one-tenth of a gram, costs $10 and its effect lasts up to 12 hours. It is also easy to buy and easy to make. Recipes can be found on the Internet, and the main ingredients -- ephedrine, red phosphorous and iodine -- can be purchased at a drug or hardware store. They're the same ingredients found in allergy remedies and other medicines. Some U.S. states have moved Sudafed and similar medicines behind the counter to combat the problem. Mr. Dosanjh said the federal government isn't doing that, but he expects individual provinces to act. "These regulations that will come into effect in the fall will not have the direct effect having Sudafed and others being put behind the counter," he said. "I think those decisions will be prompted at the provincial level and provinces I'm sure will do that. It's something in their jurisdiction." Crystal meth is on the agenda of the premiers conference being held at Banff, Alta. Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, among the premiers who led the fight for increased penalties involving the drug, said the federal government's moves will help act as a strong deterrent. "When you see penalties that would require life imprisonment, the same kind of penalty that you see for the trafficking in heroin, that has to send out a very significant signal," Mr. Calvert told reporters there. "This is not just a western problem. A few years ago the incidents of crystal meth in the United States were similar to what we're seeing in parts of Canada. Within a matter of three or four years this has become an epidemic." In Victoria, Ms. Richardson said the worst thing about having a loved one addicted to the drug is the feeling of helplessness watching someone degenerate. She said her son got into drugs as a young teenager. He tried crystal meth because he loved to dance and at first the drug fuelled his energy. Now, at 25, he is still addicted. "You look into their eyes and there is nothing there," Ms. Richardson said. "It's a terrible feeling." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin