LIFE FOR CRYSTAL METH TRAFFICKERS

Maximum Now 10 Years

The federal government will announce today it is increasing the
maximum jail term for production, trafficking, importing or exporting
methamphetamine -- commonly known as crystal meth or the "poor man's
cocaine" -- from 10 years to life in prison.

The federal crackdown, which puts crystal meth on the same legal
playing field as cocaine and heroin, comes as provincial premiers
gather in Banff, Alta., for their annual conference that will include
discussion about the growing popularity of the inexpensive and
easily-accessed drug.

The announcement will be made today by Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh,
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Public Security Minister Anne
McLellan. Dosanjh, whose department administers the Controlled Drug
and Substances Act, announced in June that he was seeking
recommendations from senior government officials by fall on whether
Ottawa should stiffen penalties for crystal meth producers and
traffickers.