Pubdate: Sat, 06 May 2006 Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2006 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://thechronicleherald.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Author: David Jackson, Provincial Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada) DRUG, CRIME BILLS MIGHT HAVE TO WAIT Justice Minister Murray Scott wants to tackle drugs and crime in the province, but Premier Rodney MacDonald may not give him the chance this spring. The minister introduced proposed new laws Friday covering the production of illegal drugs like crystal meth, locations that are home to illegal activities like prostitution and drug use, and the prevention of criminals from selling their story for a book or movie deal. But Mr. MacDonald is considering whether to call an election next week after the budget is tabled, and if that happens, the bills would die. The premier said he wants the bills passed, but he didn't commit to doing it this session. "We intend here in the legislature in future days to pass those bills, he said. "There's never an answer to when exactly a bill will be passed in the legislature. The Protection from Illegal Drugs Act would allow the province to regulate "the storage, transportation, distribution and sale of ingredients, materials and equipment used in the production and use of illegal drugs. Mr. Scott said it would also require people to notify police if they become aware of the loss or theft of certain ingredients, materials or equipment. Crystal meth production and use hasn't hit Nova Scotia yet, unlike some western provinces, but police here welcomed the legislation. "Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, you have to have that to make meth, so anything to curb the sales of those products to persons wishing to make meth is a step in the right direction, said Const. Paul Robinson of the RCMP's synthetic drug division. Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are found in cold medications like Sudafed. Just last month, national legislation went into effect requiring such cold remedies to be kept behind the counter at pharmacies. Halifax deputy police chief Chris McNeil said the legislation on equipment may allow police to tackle marijuana grow operations. Last week, Canadian health and law enforcement officials heard that preventive measures have a much greater effect in areas where a drug has yet to take hold. Dr. Richard Rawson, associate director of the Integrated Substance Abuse Program at the University of California, told officials in a teleconference that prevention is crucial in places like Atlantic Canada. Pairing restrictions on cold medications with drug education is probably the best approach for places like Nova Scotia, he said. Mr. Scott said the province is working on a broad drug strategy to address education, enforcement, prevention and treatment.Deputy chief McNeil said the strategy is essential. "Law enforcement alone won't solve this problem, and we won't achieve the success we want in Nova Scotia around drug issues without a fully funded, balanced drug strategy to deal with issues of education, prevention and activities to reduce the harms caused by illegal drugs, he said. Mr. Scott said he wants to consult with pharmacists about the regulations that would accompany the act. Pat King, executive director of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia, said he's glad the minister wants input. Penalties for first offences under the proposed law are a fine of up to $2,000 and-or up to six months in jail for an individual or a fine of up to $10,000 for a corporation. The minister also brought back the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which didn't get through last fall. The bill would allow court orders shutting down places like crack houses or houses where prostitution takes place. The orders could be generated from community complaints. Mr. McNeil said his officers could use such a law now. "Frustration does exist, he said. The Criminal Notoriety Act would ensure criminals and their family members don't profit by selling their story or memorabilia from their crimes. The opposition parties didn't have a problem with the legislation. New Democrat Kevin Deveaux said his party had already called for laws addressing crystal meth and neighbourhood crime. "We'll be glad to work with them to get them passed, but there's an election in the air and I suspect that the government is just putting these in here as window dressing leading up to the election, he said. Liberal Michel Samson said he'd like the bills to work their way through the House this spring. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake