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." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth