Pubdate: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Calgary Herald Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Jason van Rassel CENAIKO SEEKS TOUGHER METH LAWS Alberta Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko said he will appeal directly to Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan for tougher laws against crystal meth trafficking and production. Cenaiko and provincial cabinet ministers from across Western Canada met in Regina last Friday and agreed to impose restrictions on over-the-counter cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, one of meth's main ingredients. However, the ministers left disappointed the federal government isn't moving more swiftly to tighten controls on legal chemicals that are bought in large quantities by criminals to make meth. Use of crystal meth -- a cheap, highly addictive stimulant -- is exploding in Western Canada. Enlisting McLellan, who represents an Edmonton riding, may help convince politicians in Ottawa that fighting meth is more of a priority, said Cenaiko. He wants the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amended to put meth in the same category as heroin and cocaine, which are subject to lower possession thresholds and harsher penalties. "That's a step in the right direction," said Staff Sgt. Kevan Stuart of the Calgary police drug unit. Beyond the Health Canada regulations, Cenaiko also wants the possession of precursors in large quantities made a criminal offence under the act. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)