DRUG SENTENCES TOO LENIENT: COPS

In August, a judge in Sault Ste. Marie sentenced a man to five months
in jail and a $500 fine after police found what they referred to as a
"buffet" of drugs in his home. The man was in possession of marijuana
plants, loose marijuana, morphine tablets and cocaine. He also had
specialized lights, timers, plant nutrients and a quantity of cash.
In that case, the sentence was a joint submission on the part of the
defence and the Crown.

In this area, the story is pretty much the same.

In July 2004, a city man was handed an 18-month conditional sentence,
nine months of which included house arrest, after he tried to sell
marijuana to an undercover officer. When the man opened the trunk of
his vehicle to make the sale, the officer observed 20 kilograms of
the drug inside.

In September 2004, a Cornwall Island woman received a nine-month
conditional sentence after police found 18 kilograms of marijuana in
the house she shared with her husband, as well as a number of
firearms and a large amount of cash.

Police officers are now suggesting the provincial government take a
closer look at why many criminals are not being punished more severely.

"The laws, as they are on the books, are good," said Henry.

"But they need to be implemented properly, and the sentences need to
be as strict as the act allows."