RCMP SUPPORTS CALL TO RELAX POT LAWS

The RCMP said Friday it backs a call from Canadian police chiefs to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The Mounties announced they "fully supported" a new policy of the Canadian
Association of Chiefs of Police that would give officers the option of
ticketing people caught with 30 grams or less of marijuana, sparing them a
criminal record.

"This well-thought out policy statement stands to give direction to every
police officer in Canada and will perhaps aid in bringing some of these more
contentious topics to the forefront of discussion," said RCMP assistant
commissioner Rene Charbonneau.

Last week, the chiefs of police said they remained firmly opposed to
legalization of illicit drugs, including pot, but would welcome government
moves to decriminalize possession of the drug. Under such a scheme,
first-time offenders could be ticketed and fined.

Charbonneau said drug use and abuse is a many-sided, health-related problem
"deserving of a multi-faceted solution." He noted a key element of the
police approach to the drug problem involves promoting programs that reduce
demand for marijuana and other illegal substances.

The RCMP echoed the stand of the chiefs in opposing outright legalization of
drugs.