U.S. DRUG CZAR URGES CRACKDOWN ON POT

Ottawa - U.S. drug czar John Walters is in Ottawa touting America's
anti-drug policy as a model for Canada.

Walters says a blend of treatment, prevention and tough law-and-order
measures have lowered drug use among American teens.

But critics aren't buying it.

Lawyers, academics and a Liberal senator warned against a U.S.-style
approach in Canada, saying it's hugely expensive and
ineffective.

They say the Conservatives should reconsider any drug crackdown that
focuses more on prison terms than prevention or treatment.

Walters says cross-border marijuana trafficking is still a major
problem, but that the Tory government has eased tensions with
Washington since taking power.

The Liberals had planned to decriminalize possession of small amounts
of pot - a plan that has been scrapped by the Conservatives.