LOCAL POTHEADS SHOUT DOWN BUSH'S DRUG CZAR

American drug czar John Walters was heckled repeatedly during a speech to
the Vancouver Board of Trade yesterday.

The early part of Walters' short speech on U.S. drug policies seemed to be
well received but he ran into trouble when he spoke about marijuana.

Walters, a member of President George W. Bush's cabinet, told the crowd
that of six million Americans requiring treatment for drug abuse, about 60
per cent are dependent on pot.

"Lies, lies," shouted members of the B.C. Marijuana Party, who got into the
meeting by identifying themselves through their corporate entity, Avalon
Sunsplash, and paid $750 for a table in the middle of the ballroom at the
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.

Walters retorted by saying people are entitled to their opinions but he was
the one invited to speak.

"I'm a public official. I am subject to the scrutiny of the press and the
Congress . . . I've never heard of you."

Most of the audience applauded.

Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen said later that he agreed with the drug czar's
comments on treatment and enforcement but was not pleased that Walters
failed to support harm-reduction strategies, including safe injection sites.

"I guess there's a philosophical difference, very much so," said Owen, who
attended the speech after protesting the visit to U.S. authorities. He
believes Walters should pay attention to the U.S. drug problem.

"I think ours is a broader, more compassionate, more compelling and more
sustainable" approach, Owen said.

Security was tight at the speech, with officials checking ID and
plainclothes and uniformed cops in attendance.

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the building.

Walter Williams, a placard-carrying protestor who identified himself as a
businessman, said he was angry that Walters was giving a speech when
Vancouver civic voters had just elected to try a new approach to solving
the drug problem.

"To have him come up here and insult us is absolutely outrageous."