COPS SEIZE $2.4 BILLION IN ILLEGAL DRUGS

The street value of drugs seized by Canadian cops last year topped
$2.4 billion, according to the RCMP.

RCMP Supt. Pierre Perron, director general of criminal intelligence,
said ecstacy, crystal meth, cocaine and marijuana remain the drugs of
choice for dealers increasingly linked to organized crime.

While the number of clandestine drug labs remained stable, facilities
diversified the illicit powders and tablets they produce and pushed
output to "new heights," he said. Pot is still the top domestically
produced drug -- accounting for 75% of seizures.

"Consistent high demand for the drug combined with its relatively
simple production process and profitability have secured the drug's
position in the illicit market in Canada," Perron said. "A high demand
for marijuana in the U.S. also helps fuel Canadian
production."

Perron's data, provided to a Senate committee studying Bill C-15, will
be released in a public report on Canada's drug trade later this year.
C-15 would amend the Controlled Substances Act to impose tougher
sentences for drug offences, including increased penalties for
marijuana production.

Liberal Sen. George Baker suggested the bill would be a big drain on
police investigative and court resources.

"This is a massive intrusion in your budgets," he said.