POT LAW MAY CAUSE TIE-UPS

U.S. Official Worried Border Could Become A 'Trafficking Route For Drugs'

Canada faces "consequences" should Ottawa proceed with plans to
decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, a top official
with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Monday.

While not specific on what those consequences might be, Asa Hutchinson,
under-secretary in charge of U.S. border and transportation security,
indicated they could include increased border tie-ups due to stepped-up
inspections.

"There is a legitimate concern -- we don't want the northern border to be a
trafficking route for drugs," said Hutchinson, who was head of the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration before being selected by President George W. Bush
to fill his current posting in January.

"It's a decision a sovereign nation such as Canada can make, but I think it
is appropriate for us to answer questions about the consequences," he said
during his first official visit to Canada.

"And the question generally asked is: How does it impact the United States?
Well, it does have a consequence ... and we're concerned about it."

The Chretien government introduced its new drug policy last month. If
enacted by the end of the year, as proposed, the possession of less than 15
grams of marijuana would no longer result in a criminal record, but would be
subject to a fine. The new law stiffens the penalties for those convicted of
trafficking or running growing operations.

Hutchinson's is the latest in a string of warnings by top U.S. officials of
the potential negative consequences should Canada move toward relaxing its
marijuana policies.

John Walters, the U.S. director of national drug policy, denounced Canada's
move, describing the drug problem north of the border as "out of control"
and in the hands of organized crime.

American officials worry a higher volume of Canadian pot would be smuggled
south.

"If countries have divergent policies on drugs, then that increases the
potential of the borders becoming a trafficking route," Hutchinson said.

That would facilitate "increasing the inspections -- it will have an impact
on our borders," he added.

Hutchinson was in Windsor to attend the two-day Border Trade Alliance
international conference that concludes today.

Hutchinson, a former U.S. Congressman, has been one of the leading voices in
America's get-tough approach to drug offences. He was a long-time U.S.
Attorney in Arkansas who once prosecuted former President Bill Clinton's
brother Roger on a drug possession charge.

According to the FBI, 734,498 Americans were arrested for marijuana
violations in 2000. Nearly 88 per cent were charged with simple possession.