Pubdate: Sat, 11 Jun 2005 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2005 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Paul Egan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) MINISTERS DEMAND HARSHER SENTENCES Trafficking Penalty Slammed As Too Lenient THE sale of cold remedies and other non-prescription medicines that can be used to make crystal meth should be moved behind store counters, Western Canadian cabinet ministers agreed at a meeting in Regina yesterday. Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh and his colleagues also called on the federal government to increase to life in prison the maximum penalty for trafficking in the dangerous and increasingly popular drug. And the government should create a new crime -- possessing ingredients or equipment for the purpose of manufacturing crystal meth -- one of many street terms for the drug methamphetamine, Mackintosh said. The meeting of provincial ministers was upstaged by federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh's announcement that the Liberal government is proposing stricter controls on the chemicals used to produce crystal meth. Dosanjh also said he favours harsher penalties for dealing crystal meth. "It makes one cynical," Mackintosh said of the timing of the Dosanjh announcement. "At the same time, we welcome any changes they plan to make." Crystal meth is increasingly popular as a recreational drug that creates a long-lasting high and as a means of staying awake for extended periods among certain workers, such as long-haul truckers. But it is leaving a wake of addiction, crime, devastation and death among both types of users. The maximum federal penalty for trafficking in crystal meth is 10 years. By contrast, trafficking in cocaine or heroin carries maximum penalties of life in prison. Trafficking in marijuana carries a maximum five-year sentence for 85 grams or less, but a maximum life term for greater amounts. Manufacturers of crystal meth use common ingredients such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, found in in-front-of-the-counter cold and asthma medications. Mackintosh said the western ministers, who were joined by representatives of Canada's northern territories and North Dakota's attorney general, have agreed to work together on restricting such sales to behind the counter, setting age restrictions, and restricting the volumes that can be purchased. Similar legislation has been passed or is under consideration in at least 25 U.S. states. A report with specific proposals is to be prepared for the western ministers by Oct. 1, he said. Manitoba may take certain measures before then, he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin