Pubdate: Sat, 21 Nov 2015
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network
Contact:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Page: A21

FIGHTING FENTANYL

The idea of getting tougher with people caught selling fentanyl could
help authorities make inroads into getting this modern-day scourge off
Calgary's streets. Crown prosecutors are expected to start arguing in
court that the drug is more dangerous than other substances and ask
that judges deny bail to those accused of peddling fentanyl, as well
as handing down stiffer sentences.

"We're going to consider cases of fentanyl that we can prove beyond a
reasonable doubt to be serious and must be treated seriously," said
Shelley Tkatch, Alberta's deputy chief federal prosecutor.

It's important to distinguish between criminals who endanger lives and
unfortunate souls who are addicted to drugs.

In the latter case, treatment and understanding are a more appropriate
response - steps the provincial government has so far fallen short
on.

It's fair to say that the selling of any illicit drug is a serious
matter and should be treated as such by the justice system. But given
that fentanyl can kill even in small doses and is up to 100 times more
powerful than morphine, the measures Tkatch is promoting are
appropriate.

The statistics are grim: 120 Albertans died of fentanyl overdose last
year and the number climbed to 145 fatalities in just the first half
of this year.

The trend has been on the rise since three years ago, when OxyContin,
another highly addictive painkiller, was taken off pharmacy shelves.
The medicine was replaced with pills that can't be crushed and then
snorted or injected by drug users.

"If you're selling fentanyl, you should know that this is a drug that
doesn't discriminate, and any tablets you sell have the potential of
resulting in a fatal overdose," said Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta, of
the city's drug unit, who recently met with Tkatch and her colleagues
to advocate for stiffer penalties for dealers. "It's a drug unlike any
other we have seen." Tkatch says Crown prosecutors will rely on expert
witnesses to buttress their arguments at bail, trial and sentencing
hearings.

"We hope that judges will consider this evidence in their
consideration of bail and sentence," she said.

Tkatch said each case will be assessed on its own merits and has noted
that courts are required to consider many factors when setting bail
and sentencing.

Fair enough, but if Crown prosecutors want to send the message that
they'll do their best to ensure fentanyl pedlars are firmly dealt
with, they will use the strategy on every occasion possible.

That's how you discourage the distribution of a deadly substance. It's
a challenge that needs to be pursued with vigour.
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MAP posted-by: Matt