USERS' FAMILIES WELCOME CRYSTAL METH CRACKDOWN

'It's An Awful Drug,' Addict's Mother Says

VANCOUVER -- Longer jail sentences for crystal methamphetamine dealers
and users might never help Brenda Richardson's addicted son, but the
Victoria woman is glad Ottawa is cracking down on those who produce
and peddle the substance that is sometimes called poor man's cocaine.

"It's such an awful drug," said Ms. Richardson, who has witnessed her
25-year-old son, Aaron, plunge into methamphetamine-induced psychotic
episodes. Once an ace student, Aaron now spends his days watching
science programs on television.

Like scores of other Canadians affected by crystal methamphetamine --
or meth as it's called on the street -- Ms. Richardson welcomed the
stricter sentences, saying it sends a message to users, dealers,
police and prosecutors that production of the drug is a serious crime.

"Right now, anyone can make it if you've got a bathroom," Ms.
Richardson said. "It would be nice if they could make it harder to
get."

Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh
announced the changes at a news conference in Vancouver yesterday.

The maximum penalty for production and distribution has been increased
to life imprisonment from 10 years. The maximum penalty for possession
rises to seven years from three.

The changes put crystal meth in the same league as heroin and
cocaine.

"We are making a clear and unambiguous statement about the gravity of
the offence and about the responsibility of the offender," Mr. Cotler
told reporters, adding the changes give law enforcement officials more
teeth to go after dealers.

"It will be law in action, not just law on the books."

Mr. Cotler said Ottawa is aware of the ravages the drug causes, adding
the tougher sentences will have an impact.

Police were also pleased with the changes, saying they hope the
tougher sentences will deter prospective dealers. "You just look at
how many people have died from crystal meth," said RCMP Corporal Tom
Seamanin of British Columbia's E Division.

Crystal Meth has swept across Western Canada, causing alarm among
police, youth workers and health authorities. The drug arrived about
five years ago on the West Coast, landing first in Vancouver's club
scene. Like ecstasy, it gives users energy and stamina for all-night
dance raves.

However, it is highly toxic and can cause irreparable brain damage. It
can also induce psychosis.

In Vancouver, youth workers say the drug has caused mayhem at shelters
when out-of-control users arrive in a psychotic state.

While meth has made inroads into the middle class, the population it
has gripped the most tightly is street kids.

In addition to dulling hunger and fatigue, it is cheap. A "point" of
meth, meaning one-tenth of a gram, costs $10 and its effect lasts up
to 12 hours.

It is also easy to buy and easy to make. Recipes can be found on the
Internet, and the main ingredients -- ephedrine, red phosphorous and
iodine -- can be purchased at a drug or hardware store. They're the
same ingredients found in allergy remedies and other medicines.

Some U.S. states have moved Sudafed and similar medicines behind the
counter to combat the problem.

Mr. Dosanjh said the federal government isn't doing that, but he
expects individual provinces to act.

"These regulations that will come into effect in the fall will not
have the direct effect having Sudafed and others being put behind the
counter," he said. "I think those decisions will be prompted at the
provincial level and provinces I'm sure will do that. It's something
in their jurisdiction."

Crystal meth is on the agenda of the premiers conference being held at
Banff, Alta.

Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert, among the premiers who led the
fight for increased penalties involving the drug, said the federal
government's moves will help act as a strong deterrent.

"When you see penalties that would require life imprisonment, the same
kind of penalty that you see for the trafficking in heroin, that has
to send out a very significant signal," Mr. Calvert told reporters
there.

"This is not just a western problem. A few years ago the incidents of
crystal meth in the United States were similar to what we're seeing in
parts of Canada. Within a matter of three or four years this has
become an epidemic."

In Victoria, Ms. Richardson said the worst thing about having a loved
one addicted to the drug is the feeling of helplessness watching
someone degenerate. She said her son got into drugs as a young
teenager. He tried crystal meth because he loved to dance and at first
the drug fuelled his energy.

Now, at 25, he is still addicted.

"You look into their eyes and there is nothing there," Ms. Richardson
said. "It's a terrible feeling."