Pubdate: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 Source: Pincher Creek Echo (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Pincher Creek Echo Contact: http://www.pinchercreekecho.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1835 Author: Sean O'Connor Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) MIXED REVIEW FOR METH LAW As Canadian Premiers applauded the new maximum penalty for methamphetamine related drug charges some are skeptical that this will halt production of the drug. Last Thursday Federal Health Minister, Ujjal Dosanjh announced that the maximum penalty for possession, trafficking, production, importation and exportation of the drug methamphetamine, will increase from 10 years to life imprisonment. The announcement comes after reported epidemic proportions of U.S. use of the chemical and a growing concern for its use in Alberta and Western Canada. The drug is now in the same category as heroin and cocaine of schedule one of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. "I think it should be 15 years on first offense then life," said professor and Neurologist, Bill Tatton. Tatton feels that a tougher minimum sentence would help to stop meth use. Tatton held an information seminar in June at Matthew Halton High School with Constable Paul Kelly on what he feels is a growing problem in southern Alberta and especially on the blood reserves. At the seminar in June, Tatton warned Pincher Creek residents that meth use was increasing in Cardston, Fort Macleod, Coalhurst, Lethbridge, and Pincher Creek. "It's a step in the right direction," said Kelly of the new maximum penalty. "We haven't seen a lot of evidence but there is some," said Kelly of meth use in Pincher Creek. Meth users become addicted after only trying the drug one time and users can go to great extremes to get their fix. Some critics have said that the law will force desperate meth users to manufacture it themselves and that what needs to be done is putting a ban on the sales of chemicals that are used in meth production. Cold medications, paint thinner, drano, ether, and lithium are some of the readily available ingredients used in the production of meth. "Any type of enforcement is going to assist," said Pincher Creek RCMP Sergeant, Bruce James. He feels that the new law needs to be utilized in addition with getting drug users help. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek