Pubdate: Sun, 14 Aug 2005
Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Kamloops This Week
Contact:  http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271
Author: Danna Johnson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH MINIMUM NEEDED: HINTON

Upping the maximum sentence for the production and trafficking of crystal 
methamphetamines doesn't even begin to address the problem, according to 
Betty Hinton.

The Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Conservative MP said there needs to be a 
mandatory minimum sentence imposed to make any kind of difference.

"Increasing the maximum penalty isn't going to do a bit of good . . . It 
does no good to make the maximum sentence longer when it's never imposed in 
the first place."

On Thursday, federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh announced the move, 
putting crystal meth, also known as speed, on the same legal playing field 
as heroin and cocaine.

Hinton, meanwhile, said the Conservatives have brought up the need to 
address the rising crystal methamphetamine problem in the West "10 times in 
the House of Commons this past session.

"This is not a solution," she said. "This is a very serious issue, and it's 
more serious in rural areas than in big cities."

Patrick McDonald, Phoenix Centre youth drug and alcohol counsellor, said it 
makes sense to put crystal meth in the same category as cocaine and heroin, 
but hopes the federal government comes up with more.

"We're pleased they're doing that, but there needs to be a stronger 
emphasis on the need for more treatment and residential programs."

Besides, McDonald said, if the U.S. is any indication, added enforcement 
and higher penalties for production of drugs doesn't have a significant 
impact on their availability.

"Look south of the Canadian border. They still have massive drug offences. 
I don't think many people in that business are rational enough to think 
about the consequences . . . the money is too good."

In the past two to three years, McDonald has noticed a steady increase of 
his young clients using crystal meth.

"It's gone up from a real low of less than five per cent to about 40 per 
cent," he said.

But the amount of young people using the drug isn't the most alarming, 
rather it's the life-long impact the drug can have on users.

"Many times there is irreparable damage being done . . . crystal meth 
psychosis is the real thing."
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MAP posted-by: Beth