Pubdate: Wed, 04 Mar 2009 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2009 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Author: Larry Comeau Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n240/a07.html CANADA A HAVEN FOR ILLICIT DRUGS Re: U.S. says Canada the top source for ecstasy, Feb. 27 We shouldn't need Americans to advise Canada of the urgent need to curb our illicit drug trade. Red lights should have already been flashing, as the number of drug related, gangland murders have been escalating in major cities for years. By allowing the illegal drug trade to flourish, criminal gangs have become emboldened, resulting in an escalation of violence. B.C. has become a primary supplier of marijuana to both Canada and the U.S. Ontario's illicit laboratories are key suppliers of ecstasy and methamphetamine to the U.S. Canada has become known around the world as a major illicit drug supplier. This is not a reputation the average Canadian is proud of. The current anti-gang crime bill is a step in the right direction. Too bad tougher measurers were not taken earlier. It may have saved lives. Larry Comeau Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin