Pubdate: Sat, 05 Mar 2005
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Andrew Seymour
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Rochfort+Bridge (Rochfort Bridge)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

TOP COP TO PRESS FEDS

Bevan Warns Of 'Tough Discussion' With Liberals Over Crime Issues In Wake 
Of Mountie Slayings

OTTAWA'S police chief expressed sadness that it took the senseless slaying 
of four Alberta Mounties to draw attention to marijuana grow ops and other 
pressing crime issues. "We've been talking to this government about 
marijuana, and about decriminalization, and about grow ops, and firearms, 
and everything else," Vince Bevan said yesterday.

SUGGESTIONS

Bevan, who is also vice-president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of 
Police, hinted that the association will present a package of policy 
suggestions to the federal government on a variety of issues next week.

"In the ensuing days, I am sure there is going to be a lot of tough 
discussion with government," said Bevan, who described grow ops as a "huge 
threat" to the community.

"I think we're going to be giving lots of advice to the government in the 
next little while," he said. "Hopefully, they'll listen to some of it."

The slain officers were guarding a farmhouse where a marijuana grow op and 
stolen property were found following a police visit on an unrelated civil 
matter.

OPP deputy director of drug enforcement, Det. Insp. Frank Elbers, said he 
believes sentences for marijuana growers are much too light.

"I definitely feel that the sentencing aspect is light and I think that's 
why the grow ops have flourished in Canada as opposed to the United 
States," said Elbers.

"You have repeat busts with some of the same people," he said. "I dare say 
as quick as we can take one down, another one shoots up."

PROBLEM TO STAY

Elbers also questioned the logic that decriminalizing or legalizing 
marijuana will stop grow ops from being set up.

"The vast majority of the marijuana that is grown in this country is 
destined for the United States," said Elbers.

"Everyone thinks the problem will go away. That's so wrong."

Despite the potential political implications of the Mounties' slaying, 
Bevan said the main focus right now needs to be on offering support to the 
slain officers' families and the RCMP.

"You look at these faces and they could be our members. This is just a 
terrible tragedy," said Bevan.

"Something like this you can't help but take personally."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom