LIBERALS SHOULD ABANDON DECRIMINALIZATION PLAN, ALBERTA PREMIER SAYS

Alberta Premier Ralph Klein said yesterday that Ottawa should scrap its
move to decriminalize pot after four police officers were shot dead on
Thursday at a marijuana grow operation north of Edmonton.

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