Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Bill Cleverley, with files from Allan Woods Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) POLICE HEAP SCORN ON CRYSTAL METH CRACKDOWN Ottawa's Tougher Sentences Will Solve Nothing, Group's Spokesman Warns A new maximum life sentences for trafficking in crystal meth is nothing but a smokescreen, says the spokesman for the B.C. Federation of Police. "It's not going to do anything to help us. It's not going to do anything to tackle the problem," said Todd Sweet, a New Westminster police constable. The decision, officially announced Thursday by the Justice, Health and Public Safety ministries, changes the Criminal Code to put methamphetamine into the same class of drugs as cocaine and heroin. Sweet said trafficking in cocaine has carried a maximum life penalty "forever. "When was the last time anyone got life for cocaine trafficking?" Methamphetamine already carries a maximum sentence of 10 years for any one caught trafficking or in possession for the purpose of trafficking, Sweet said. "When was the last time anyone came close to getting that maximum sentence? The answer is never." Rather than increasing the maximum sentence when the maximum sentence is never meted out, the federal government should instead institute mandatory minimum sentences, Sweet said. While B.C. Solicitor General John Les said he is "very pleased" with Thursday's announcement, he also questioned how effective the move can be, given the changes were to the maximum levels of sentencing, and not the minimum. "I think the Canadian public ... [is] fed up with seeing people who are engaged in serious crimes such as trafficking in crystal meth -- which I believe is an activity that is akin to being an accomplice to murder -- [get light sentences]," said Les. "I think people expect these things to be treated seriously and not in terms of a slap on the wrist." Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said special prosecutors will deal with the most serious cases and will speak to judges in sentencing about the poisonous nature of the drug and how it destroys lives. "Judges look at the gravity of the offence and the responsibility of the offender in determining sentences," Cotler told a news conference in Vancouver. "We are making a clear statement today about the gravity of the offence and the responsibility of the offender." Cotler also said the government is also working on legislation that will make it harder to get chemicals to make the highly addictive drug. Many of the ingredients that go into the manufacture of crystal meth can be found at local convenience, drug and hardware stores. The U.S. expressed concern in its most recent annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report that Canada could become a major source of methamphetamine and the chemicals used to make it, just as this country's marijuana crops are smuggled across the border. Conservative justice critic Vic Toews said emulating the U.S.'s approach to the war on drugs is a good start, but does not go far enough. "I can't remember the last time anyone dealing in meth received 10 years, so what is the point of increasing it to life in prison?" he asked. "The real issue is if you want prison to be the punishment for methamphetamine ... then you have to impose mandatory minimum sentences. We have to be looking at at least two years." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin