Pubdate: Wed, 10 Oct 2007
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2007 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Note: This editorial was originally published in the Vancouver Province.

TARGETING THE REAL VILLAINS

Vancouver Province

Critics who derided the anti-drug strategy of Prime Minister Stephen 
Harper's Conservative government -- both before and after it was 
announced last week -- either wilfully or blindly missed its central thrust.

And that is the promise of tough legislation mandating minimum jail 
terms for the real villains of the illicit drug trade: the parasites 
who produce and traffic in substances such as crystal meth and crack cocaine.

The message that society will no longer tolerate the pedlars of these 
toxic poisons is long overdue.

The devastating impact of crystal meth on young people has brought 
unimaginable pain and tragedy to many families in our country.

Yet, until now, the potential profits from operating illegal meth 
labs have far outweighed the possible legal consequences.

The threat of substantial prison sentences should be an effective 
deterrent against these cynical enemies of the social order.

It should also be emphasized that Harper's plan directs twice as much 
money -- $42.2 million -- to treatment and prevention of drug 
addiction as it does to enforcement -- $21.6 million.

What he is proposing is not some empty echo of the U.S. war on drugs 
- -- it is a compassionate policy that strikes the right balance 
between preventing the spread of drugs and offering a helping hand to 
those victims of addiction who wish to escape from their miserable plight.

- - This editorial was originally published in the Vancouver Province.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman