DRUG USE EXPLODES IN SASK.

Drug offences in Saskatchewan have almost doubled in the last decade, and
will continue to rise if trends continue, a study by the federal government
has found.

According to a study released by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics
Monday, the rate of drug offences in Canada has increased 42 per cent since
1992, and 97 per cent in the province of Saskatchewan.

But police officials say the report shows the need for continued
enforcement, and isn't necessarily just cause for concern.

"I don't know if it's something to be alarmed about," said RCMP Corp. Brian
Jones. "If you look at how society has changed in the past 10 years, it may
not be so surprising."

There were 93,000 drug offences in Canada in 2002, the most recent year for
the study.

Most of the charges were for possession of drugs -- primarily marijuana.

Saskatchewan had the second-highest rate of drug-related charges in 2002,
at 351 per 100,000 people. British Columbia had the highest rate at 544 per
100,000 people. The national average was 295.

Saskatoon had the province's highest numbers, with a rate of 306 drug
offences per 100,000 people. Regina's rate was 198 per 100,000.

Regina police were not available for comment on the report.

Jones says the increased rates of drug offences in the past 10 years
reflect the growing drug market, and its increasing accessibility in all
areas of the country.

"It speaks a little bit about the increased prevalence, it's out there more
so members are finding it more," he said.

Jones wouldn't speculate on whether the increase in marijuana possession is
linked to a movement to loosen marijuana laws in Canada, and its growing
acceptance in mainstream culture, though he says the public, especially
children and youth, need to be educated on the risks of the drug.

"There may be a misconception about the benign effect of marijuana, but
it's not benign, it's a drug and it has risks," he said.

Monday's study also showed a link between the use of drugs and alcohol and
other crimes, including domestic violence and homicide. Victims of violent
crimes reported that alcohol or drugs played a factor in half of the
country's physical and sexual assaults, the study said, and that about 10
per cent of Canada's homicides were drug-related.

But while cocaine and heroin were most often involved in homicides
elsewhere in the country, 15 per cent of Regina's drug-related murders
involved "other drugs," like ecstasy, barbiturates, amphetamines and steroids.

Jones says reports such as this one can be looked at in different ways, and
should be kept in perspective.

"Statistics came out recently that showed our impaired driving numbers are
up and we looked at that in a positive way, in that we were (catching more
impaired drivers)," he said. "From the RCMP perspective (this report)
highlights the trends, and reminds us that enforcement needs to continue."