TOUGHER CRYSTAL METH PENALTIES ARE JUSTIFIED

We applaud the federal government's tougher penalties for possessing,
making and selling crystal methamphetamine.

That's something The Standard called for a month ago. Our July 16
editorial said Niagara has an opportunity the meth-infested western
provinces didn't have: We can see the use of crystal meth is starting
here, and we now have a chance to stop it or slow the spread of the
drug and the damage it leaves in its wake.

The new penalties associated with crystal meth are as harsh as those
dealing with cocaine or heroin. The maximum sentence for producing or
distributing meth is increased to life in prison from 10 years.

That's appropriate. Crystal meth is cheap, highly addictive and can
cause brain damage and increase the risk of a heart attack. It
devastates the lives of its victims -- and their families.

The harsher penalty isn't designed to punish the addict, however, but
to make the manufacturers and the distributors think twice about the
risks they'll face.

Some social workers who deal with addicts say the government's
strategy is worthless -- it will do no more to halt the spread of
crystal meth use than it has done for heroin or cocaine.

They say the drug of choice is not the issue, it is the physical or
emotional pain addicts feel that makes them want to get high, and
that's where the government should devote its attention.

While that's true, changing the law and funding social programs are
two separate issues.

The first costs the country relatively little and yields quick
results. The second consumes enormous financial resources, does not
always guarantee a cure for drug addicts and does nothing to prevent
criminals from doing further harm.

Clearly, there needs to be a three-pronged approach -- one to crack
down on drug manufacturers and distributors, one to treat addicts and
one to counsel vulnerable drug abusers before they become addicted.

All three involve huge investments of money and human resources.

Federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh admits the government needs to
co-ordinate its education and awareness programs with the provincial
governments.

He's right. If progress is going to be made in preventing addiction
and treating those who are already hooked, governments are going to
have to use their resources much more efficiently.

That's especially true in countering the growth of crystal meth use,
which has increased 40 per cent around the world in the past six years.

This alarmingly rapid rise requires a quick response. We are fighting
a war against illicit drugs, and as in any war, the best defence is to
first counter-attack the insurgents.

The second stage is to treat the wounded, and that is where more
funding to treat addicts will be appropriate.