MP URGED TO STAND UP TO DRUG LORDS

OTTAWA -- Justice Minister Anne McLellan encouraged a Bloc MP yesterday
not to back down after his life was threatened by organized criminals.

The minister was responding to the frightening situation involving Ivan
Loubier, who is under 24-hour protection by the Mounties after getting
death threats.

Loubier says he, his wife and three-year-old daughter have been threatened
because of his crusade against a "reign of terror" of farmers in the
Eastern Townships, near Ontario's border.

Farmers have complained to their MP of being terrorized by drug lords who
plant marijuana on isolated sections of their farms.

"Threats against Mr. Loubier and his family are completely unacceptable,"
said McLellan.

"They will threaten ... anyone to try to get them to back off. We can never
let that happen."

In Loubier's riding, many farmers are living in fear because they've been
threatened to keep quiet about the fields of pot.

Loubier wouldn't elaborate on the threats, but said farm children have been
threatened with mutilation, sexual molestation and death.