CANADA NOW A MAJOR DRUG PLAYER: REPORT

Canadian herb isn't the only product our drug lords are known for around
the world.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2009 World
Drug Report, which was released yesterday morning in Washington, Canada
has become a major player on the world market for amphetamine-type
stimulants (ATS), such as methamphetamine and Ecstasy.

Of the 1.82 metric tons of methamphetamine seized in Canada between 1998
and 2007, 1.54 tons of that was seized in 2007 alone, the report noted.

Manufacture of Ecstasy in 2007 was reported in just eight countries. Among
them: Canada. Canada was among 10 countries in five "distinct subregional
markets" listed in the report that accounted for more than 80% of all ATS
seized.

As for other drugs: Canada ranked 11th for seizures of Cannabis, with
49,919 kilos seized in 2007, accounting for 0.9% of world seizures; and
22nd for cocaine, with 2,666 kilos seized (0.4% globally).