TORIES TABLE DRUG CRACKDOWN BILL

Critics Say It Will Lead to Rival Gang Wars.

OTTAWA -- The federal Conservatives hope legislation introduced
yesterday will eventually crack down on drug dealers and change the
lives of addicts who want to go clean.

But at least one critic predicts the bill -- if it passes -- will only
increase violent crime between rival drug gangs and overload Canada's
prison population.

The proposed changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act would,
for the first time, impose mandatory minimum prison sentences on
anyone convicted of trafficking illegal drugs.

"Drug producers and dealers who threaten the safety of our communities
must face tougher penalties," Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said.

"This is why our government is moving to impose mandatory jail time
for serious drug offences that involve organized crime, violence or
youth."

Among the proposed amendments, the Tories want to impose two-year
mandatory prison sentences on people convicted of trafficking hard
drugs such as cocaine and heroin, or those who run large marijuana
grow operations of at least 500 plants.

If passed, the legislation would also see mandatory jail sentences of
one year for selling marijuana as part of an organized criminal gang
or when a weapon or violence is involved.

The legislation would also impose tougher penalties for trafficking
GHB and flunitrazepam, commonly known as date-rape drugs.

"We're sending the message that people . . . we are serious about
serious time for that kind of serious crime," said Public Safety
Minister Stockwell Day.

"Our communities should not become battle grounds for drug-related
violence."

However, that's just what Canadians will get with mandatory prison
sentences, predicts Craig Jones, director of the John Howard Society.

"What happens when you crack down on crime . . . is you provoke turf
wars between rival gangs of traffickers."