POT CRUSADER FOUND GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING MARIJUANA

Grant Krieger, a well-known pot crusader, has again been found guilty
of trafficking in marijuana after he sent packages to people in
Manitoba for medicinal uses on two separate occasions.

Provincial court Judge William Pepler found Krieger guilty Monday of
two counts of trafficking in marijuana on Dec. 3, 2003 and Jan. 8, 2004.

Krieger's lawyer, John Hooker, had used a Charter argument that was
successful in the Henry Morgentaler case, in which the government
permits women to legally have abortions but then puts hurdles in place.

However, Pepler said in a written decision there are 14 people and 11
physicians in Manitoba authorized by Health Canada to provide medical
marijuana.

"The regulations providing for a medical marijuana exemption are
working successfully," he wrote. "More persons are authorized to
possess and more physicians are participating in the program."

Pepler said there is no violation of Krieger's Charter rights in his
21-page written decision.

"I find no Charter breach and therefore no defence to the charges and
findings of guilt are made and convictions entered," he wrote.

Krieger, 52, said he's not giving up.

"It's rather disappointing," he said. "However, after my lawyer reads
the written decision, he's already said there is a couple of words in
there that we could use to appeal on. And the judge said it's open to appeal."

Hooker said he and his client will decide how to proceed after he
reads the written decision.

Krieger will be back in provincial court Feb. 12 for sentencing on
the conviction.

He also has a case pending before the Supreme Court of Canada that
will determine whether he will get a jury trial on a previous
conviction for similar charges.