Pubdate: Wed, 30 Apr 2003
Source: London Free Press (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 The London Free Press a division of Sun Media Corporation.
Contact:  http://www.fyilondon.com/londonfreepress/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243
Author: Jason Botchford, Special to The Free Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

SMUGGLERS THRIVE IN B.C.

Boats, hollowed-out logs, fake whales and satellite guidance are all tools
of the trade for marijuana smugglers. 

Traffickers can sell pot, which costs about $200 to grow in Canada for
$3,000 US south of the border. 

The profits are potentially enormous and people will do anything to get
marijuana to the U.S., where residents buy up Canadian pot in metric tonnes. 

"To patrol the border is simply impossible," B.C. marijuana activist and
former Londoner Marc Emery said. "It just can't be done. Too many coves, too
many mountains. Anyone who gets caught is just not doing it right." 

The U.S. Border Patrol said marijuana seizures at B.C.-U.S. crossing points
have increased 2,500 per cent during the last five years. 

Border agents estimate they catch only about two per cent of the bud headed
south.
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