Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 Source: Kingston Whig-Standard (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 The Kingston Whig-Standard Contact: http://www.thewhig.com/feedback1/default.aspx?e4=an_editorialemail Website: http://www.thewhig.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/224 THROW THE BOOK AT SMUGGLERS Throw the book at smugglers According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, there is a strong link between the seemingly harmless crime of cigarette smuggling and the much more lethal illegal drug trafficking industry. The Mounties have identified 105 organized crime groups that have set up shop in this region. At least 65 are involved in drug trafficking. Police acknowledge that their record illegal cigarette seizures of late are only the tip of the iceberg. Increased police resources would help, but it's not the answer. What's needed is more support from our weak-kneed court system. For smugglers nabbed in Canada, soft sentences are treated like paying taxes. It's not that way on the U.S. side of the border, where the courts take a hard line when sentencing smugglers, particular when illegal drugs are involved. It's called throwing the book at them, and it's what we need more of. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek