Pubdate: Tue, 24 Feb 2004
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Bill Kaufmann

2002 A PEAK DRUG YEAR

Calgary joined the rest of Canada in reaching a 20-year peak in 
drug-related offences recorded in 2002, say city police. Even as police 
dealt with a rising tide of drug crime, two-thirds of narcotics charges 
laid nationwide were for possession, said Statistics Canada, while in 2003 
in Calgary, that number was 45.7%.

When asked if that was a wise use of resources, Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux of 
the city police drug unit said laying possession charges is still a vital 
element in enforcement.

"Each piece is important, of course, and we focus our efforts on the supply 
side," said Daroux.

The dollar amount of cannabis seized last year by city police -- $45 
million -- was up considerably over the $20 million confiscated in 2002.

Legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana is 
before Parliament.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman