KLEIN SLAMS FED'S POT POLICY

CALGARY - Alberta Premier Ralph Klein said Friday that Ottawa should
scrap its move to decriminalize pot after four police officers were
shot dead this week at a marijuana grow operation north of Edmonton.

"They should abandon any notion of decriminalization," he told
reporters in Calgary.

Klein said the officers were slain at a "significant" grow op with 300
plants worth $300,000.

The Alberta premier tore into the federal Liberals for being
inconsistent on marijuana, talking about tougher penalties for growers
while moving to decriminalize the drug.

In light of the deaths, Alberta Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko is
preparing a report on tackling marijuana grow operations and organized
crime that will be forwarded to the federal government when it is
completed next week.

Cenaiko spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan Friday and
reiterated Alberta's opposition to Ottawa's move to decriminalize
possession of small amounts of pot.

"In the wake of this tragedy, now is not the time for the federal
government to weaken illegal drug legislation," said Cenaiko in a statement.