THOMPSON BACKS TOUGHER DRUG LAWS

The federal government is cracking down on the production of illegal
drugs and is getting tougher on those who sell them. And that's just
what the doctor ordered, says Wild Rose member of Parliament Myron Thompson.

On Nov. 20 the federal Conservatives introduced a series of changes
to Canada's drug laws, including new mandatory minimum sentences for
those convicted of producing and selling illegal drugs.

"The safety of our communities must be protected from illegal drug
producers and dealers; those producers and dealers must face tougher
penalties," said Thompson. "The proposed amendments this Government
is introducing resulting in mandatory prison sentences for certain
serious drug offences will go a long way toward protecting the
communities we live in. These amendments will make offenders think
twice about setting up grow-ops and drug labs in our residential
areas, and particularly, lessen the exposure of our youth to drugs.
The message is clear: if you sell or produce drugs - you'll pay with
jail time."

The new drug sentences include:

. A one year mandatory prison sentence imposed for dealing drugs such
as marijuana when carried out for organized crime purposes, or when a
weapon or violence is involved;

. A two year mandatory prison sentence imposed for dealing drugs such
as cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines to youth, or for dealing those
drugs near a school or an area normally frequented by youth;

. A two year mandatory prison sentence imposed for the offence of
running a large marijuana grow operation of at least 500 plants;

. Maximum penalty for cannabis production would increase from 7 to 14
years imprisonment; and

. Tougher penalties will be introduced for trafficking GHB and
flunitrazepam (most commonly known as date-rape drugs)

The new sentences are part of the federal Conservatives' $63.8
million National Anti-Drug Strategy, which also includes measures to
preventing illicit drug use and treat those with illicit drug dependencies.