ILLICIT DRUG BUSINESS ON RISE, SAYS REPORT

Methamphetamine, ecstasy and marijuana production is on the rise in
Canada, a new report by the U.S. State Department says, and
transnational crime groups are steadily importing more cocaine and
heroin.

While the American government's annual international narcotics review
pegs the country as "primarily a drug consuming" one, Canada remains a
significant producer of high-quality marijuana and a transit point for
over-the-counter pharmaceuticals used in synthetic drugs.

"Methamphetamine trafficking and availability rose during 2005," the
document says, noting 95 per cent of the domestic supply comes from
large, multi-kilogram operations.

"Significant seizures of MDMA (ecstasy) from clandestine laboratories
indicate they are larger and more sophisticated organized crime
operations."

Marijuana -- smuggled into the U.S. primarily via B.C., Ontario and
Quebec -- remains a serious concern for law enforcement as well.

"Though outdoor cultivation continues, the use of large and more
sophisticated indoor grow operations is increasing because it allows
year-round production," the document says.

"The RCMP reports the involvement of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese
organized crime organizations in technologically advanced organic grow
methods that produce marijuana with elevated THC levels."

The Mounties conducted 430 marijuana investigations and 570 raids
while seizing nearly 250,000 plants and arresting 283 people in 2005.

The national police force also conducted 87 clandestine drug lab
investigations leading to 36 raids -- one third of which involved
ecstasy (MDMA) production. About 64,000 doses of the drug were seized.

RCMP officials weren't available for comment Tuesday
afternoon.

International crime groups lead many cocaine smuggling operations in
Canada. According to the State Department, Colombian brokers are
connecting producers with outlaw biker gangs and Italian and Caribbean
organized crime. Shipments are usually routed through countries such
as Haiti, Trinidad and Jamaica before coming here. Between January and
September of 2005, the Canada Border Services Agency seized 1.66
tonnes of cocaine at land and sea ports of entry.

While the report paints a positive picture of law enforcement efforts,
it's clear the U.S. government wants legal changes to crack down on
drug producers in this country. It notes marijuana cultivation is a
thriving, low-risk pursuit, due in part to "low sentences meted out by
Canadian courts."

The U.S. may get its wish soon, as Justice Minister Vic Toews has
suggested mandatory minimum sentences for serious drug crimes are on
the way.