CHIEF BACKS DRUG EFFORT BUT NOT BENDING THE RULES

Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says he backs a new report that calls for a
co-ordinated drug strategy for the city, even as he objects to other, more
controversial proposals.

"Certain of these recommendations have the potential to do more harm than
good," said the chief after the release of the report by the Toronto Drug
Strategy Committee, whose members include politicians, health professionals,
the police and social agencies.

In particular, Chief Blair says he opposes any move to decriminalize the
consumption of small amounts of cannabis and to give out crack pipes and
other equipment to cocaine users.