Pubdate: Sat, 13 Aug 2005
Source: St. Albert Gazette (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 St. Albert Gazette
Contact:  http://www.stalbertgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2919
Author: Peter Boer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

FEDS GET TOUGH ON CRYSTAL METH DEALERS

New legislation that could put dealers who traffic in and produce crystal 
meth behind bars for life is an important tool in the war against the 
deadly drug, but only if the courts are willing to impose those sentences, 
local members of the RCMP said Friday.

On Thursday, Federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, Justice Minister Irwin 
Cotler and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne 
McLellan announced stiffer penalties for possession, trafficking, 
importing, exporting and producing crystal meth.

Methamphetamine has now been listed as a Schedule I substance in the 
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, on par with cocaine and heroin.

Prior to the announcement, crystal meth was listed as a Schedule III drug, 
similar to psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or amphetamines (speed).

Convictions for possessing, producing, importing or trafficking Schedule I 
drugs carry the harshest possible sentence under the act. A sentence for 
simple possession carries a maximum jail term of seven years, compared to 
three years for a Schedule III drug, while a conviction for trafficking 
carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, compared to ten years for 
Schedule III substances.

"It certainly is an additional tool," said St. Albert RCMP detachment 
commander Insp. Randy Beck. "It increases the deterrent factor to those 
that will move in a commercial fashion to production. It's one tool. It's 
not the answer."

That tool, however, needs to be applied by the courts in order to have any 
deterrent factor whatsoever, said Drug Unit Const. Mike Moulds.

"I applaud what the federal government is doing with revamping the 
sentencing guidelines," said Moulds. "But if the courts are not willing to 
impose these sentences, then what good is it?"

The government is also cracking down on production by trying to nail 
would-be 'cooks' before they can start churning out their product. Health 
Canada has added four substances, many of which can be purchased legally, 
to their Precursor Control Regulations. Anyone found in possession of these 
chemicals for the purpose of cooking meth could be fined up to $5,000 
and/or be jailed for three years.

Beck said the government is taking a very aggressive approach to a growing 
problem.

"I'm finally happy this issue is on the national stage. And the efforts of 
the government and premiers to get behind preventing meth from hitting us 
as it has in the States is rewarding."

Treatment and prevention, said Moulds, is just as important as deterrence 
when it comes to meth use.

"It's a supply and demand thing. If the people want these products, they 
can go out and get it.

"I'm all for proactive policing, but time will tell."
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MAP posted-by: Beth