Pubdate: Fri, 30 Nov 2007
Source: Airdrie City View (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Airdrie City View Ltd.
Contact:  http://airdriecityview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3202
Author: Nathan Anderson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

THOMPSON BACKS TOUGHER DRUG LAWS

The federal government is cracking down on the production of illegal 
drugs and is getting tougher on those who sell them. And that's just 
what the doctor ordered, says Wild Rose member of Parliament Myron Thompson.

On Nov. 20 the federal Conservatives introduced a series of changes 
to Canada's drug laws, including new mandatory minimum sentences for 
those convicted of producing and selling illegal drugs.

"The safety of our communities must be protected from illegal drug 
producers and dealers; those producers and dealers must face tougher 
penalties," said Thompson. "The proposed amendments this Government 
is introducing resulting in mandatory prison sentences for certain 
serious drug offences will go a long way toward protecting the 
communities we live in. These amendments will make offenders think 
twice about setting up grow-ops and drug labs in our residential 
areas, and particularly, lessen the exposure of our youth to drugs. 
The message is clear: if you sell or produce drugs - you'll pay with 
jail time."

The new drug sentences include:

. A one year mandatory prison sentence imposed for dealing drugs such 
as marijuana when carried out for organized crime purposes, or when a 
weapon or violence is involved;

. A two year mandatory prison sentence imposed for dealing drugs such 
as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines to youth, or for dealing those 
drugs near a school or an area normally frequented by youth;

. A two year mandatory prison sentence imposed for the offence of 
running a large marijuana grow operation of at least 500 plants;

. Maximum penalty for cannabis production would increase from 7 to 14 
years imprisonment; and

. Tougher penalties will be introduced for trafficking GHB and 
flunitrazepam (most commonly known as date-rape drugs)

The new sentences are part of the federal Conservatives' $63.8 
million National Anti-Drug Strategy, which also includes measures to 
preventing illicit drug use and treat those with illicit drug dependencies.
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