MINIMUM, NOT MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR CRYSTAL METH OFFENCES, OFFICER SAYS

Const. Todd Sweet, spokesman for the B.C. Federation of Police, says that
extending the maximum sentence for crystal meth offences won't make a
difference.

"It's not going to have any effect at all for policing," said Sweet, who
works with the New Westminster Police Service and is president of the New
Westminster Police Officers Association.

"It is not going to do a single iota of good for anybody on the street
right now that's trying to enforce it."

The federal government has increased the maximum jail sentence from 10
years to life for anyone convicted of possession, trafficking, importing,
exporting or producing methamphetamine.

"All it is is smoke and mirrors to make it look like they are doing
something," said Sweet, adding that what's needed is a minimum sentence,
not a maximum. "I'd be tickled pink to see somebody getting 10 years."

Courts have too much freedom to make judgment calls, Sweet said.