TOP COP TO PRESS FEDS

Bevan Warns Of 'Tough Discussion' With Liberals Over Crime Issues In Wake
Of Mountie Slayings

OTTAWA'S police chief expressed sadness that it took the senseless slaying
of four Alberta Mounties to draw attention to marijuana grow ops and other
pressing crime issues. "We've been talking to this government about
marijuana, and about decriminalization, and about grow ops, and firearms,
and everything else," Vince Bevan said yesterday.

SUGGESTIONS

Bevan, who is also vice-president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of
Police, hinted that the association will present a package of policy
suggestions to the federal government on a variety of issues next week.

"In the ensuing days, I am sure there is going to be a lot of tough
discussion with government," said Bevan, who described grow ops as a "huge
threat" to the community.

"I think we're going to be giving lots of advice to the government in the
next little while," he said. "Hopefully, they'll listen to some of it."

The slain officers were guarding a farmhouse where a marijuana grow op and
stolen property were found following a police visit on an unrelated civil
matter.

OPP deputy director of drug enforcement, Det. Insp. Frank Elbers, said he
believes sentences for marijuana growers are much too light.

"I definitely feel that the sentencing aspect is light and I think that's
why the grow ops have flourished in Canada as opposed to the United
States," said Elbers.

"You have repeat busts with some of the same people," he said. "I dare say
as quick as we can take one down, another one shoots up."

PROBLEM TO STAY

Elbers also questioned the logic that decriminalizing or legalizing
marijuana will stop grow ops from being set up.

"The vast majority of the marijuana that is grown in this country is
destined for the United States," said Elbers.

"Everyone thinks the problem will go away. That's so wrong."

Despite the potential political implications of the Mounties' slaying,
Bevan said the main focus right now needs to be on offering support to the
slain officers' families and the RCMP.

"You look at these faces and they could be our members. This is just a
terrible tragedy," said Bevan.

"Something like this you can't help but take personally."