DRUGS ARE 'SCOURGE'

Police Chief Denies Decriminalization Support

Read her lips: Despite reports to the contrary, Calgary's police chief
does not support decriminalizing drugs.

"I have not wavered on my position at all that legalization is
inappropriate and we have to fight hard in both the areas of supply
reduction and demand reduction," Christine Silverberg told the Sun.

"We have to do everything we can to protect our children from the
scourge of drug use," she said yesterday.

The chief's comments came the same day a Toronto newspaper reported
the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police support a move to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of narcotics, including
heroin. In fact, says Silverberg, nothing could be further from the
truth.

"The CACP stands firm in opposing any kind of legalization.

"They would entertain endorsing government initiatives to create a
summary conviction criminal offence for certain offences related to
possession of small amounts of marijuana or other cannabis
derivatives."

A summary conviction offence is a lesser charge than an indictable
offence and usually involves a fine rather than a jail sentence,
depending on the accused's record.

Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, possessing less than 30
grams of marijuana or a derivative is a summary conviction punishable
by a maximum six months in jail or a $2,000 fine.

While Silverberg said she and other members of the CACP would support
the lesser charge for possession of small amounts of grass and the
like, the recommendation would be conditional.

"There would have to be corresponding initiatives instituted by
government in the areas of prevention, education, enforcement,
counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and diversion."

Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan is receptive to the idea of
decriminalizing possession of small amounts of pot and hash.

"We're going to take a look at this and we'll see where it leads us,"
McLellan said yesterday.

Ottawa is currently studying the use of marijuana for medicinal
purposes and the police chiefs say they will abide by whatever Health
Canada decides.