MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR DRUG CRIMES

Government plans to impose mandatory minimum sentences for
drug-related crimes will directly benefit local residents, according
to Abbotsford MP Ed Fast.

Fast was reacting to the unveiling of Bill C-26 this week, which he
said provides mandatory sentences for those who depend on the drug
trade.

"Drive-by shootings and gang violence are usually linked to the drug
trade," said Fast, adding that Abbotsford is "no stranger" to
drug-related crime.

"In the process, residents of our community become innocent victims of
this carnage."

Details of the new legislation include:

- - Mandatory one-year prison sentences for dealing in drugs such as
marijuana when it is carried out by organized crime, or when a weapon
or violence is used.

- - Mandatory two-year prison sentences for dealing drugs such as
cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine to youth, or for dealing those
drugs near a school or an area frequented by youth.

- - Mandatory two-year prison sentences for running a large marijuana
grow-operation of at least 500 plants.

- - Increasing the maximum penalty for cannabis production from seven to
14 years, and introducing tougher penalties for trafficking date-rape
drugs.

Fast said the government is "tired" of "in and out justice" for
grow-op and crystal meth operators.

"These dealers of human misery and destruction will face the full
force of the law," he continued.

"In the process, our Abbotsford police will know that they have the
full support of the justice system behind them as they protect our
community."

Meanwhile, Fast believes changes to Canada's youth justice system will
make young people more accountable for their crimes.

In commending amendments made to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the
MP said the system currently hands "too many breaks" to dangerous
young offenders.

"They know they can break the law with near impunity without facing
serious consequences," he said.

The changes to the bill, according to Fast, will permit the courts to
consider deterrence and denunciation as a goal when sentencing offenders.

Pre-trial prevention methods will also be changed, Fast said, making
it easier to hold youth in custody before their trial dates.