Pubdate: Thu, 20 Sep 2001
Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Canada)
Copyright: 2001 CBC
Contact:  http://www.cbc.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1412
Author: Theresa Lalonde

BORDER CRACKDOWN HURTING B.C. POT GROWERS

The increased security along the B.C.-Washington border since last week's 
terrorist attacks are wreaking havoc on B.C.'s multi-billion dollar 
marijuana business.

B.C. Marijuana Party leader Marc Emery says growers are having a tough time 
finding people willing to run drugs across the border in boats, small 
planes or on foot.

"The thought that there's increased penalties, or that the United States 
may shoot on sight or are a bit jumpier and more security conscious means 
there's more marijuana backed up here," he says.

He says mules are being offered twice as much for the risk ­ up to $1000 
for a half kilo of B.C marijuana ­ and that price is being passed on to 
Americans.

Emery says that's lowering the cost of drugs in B.C., but doubling it in 
the United States.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart