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.
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MAP posted-by: Derek