MACKINTOSH WANTS LIFE TERM FOR CRYSTAL METH TRAFFICKING

OTTAWA is considering a Manitoba proposal to increase maximum sentences for
producing or trafficking crystal meth from 10 years to life in prison.

Attorney General Gord Mackintosh made the proposal yesterday at a meeting
of justice ministers in Ottawa.

A person can get life in prison for producing or trafficking in heroin or
cocaine, and crystal meth should be no different, he said, noting the
courts made note of the discrepancy four years ago, but Ottawa never acted
to change it.

"Meth is at least as destructive as either heroin or cocaine," Mackintosh said.

He said federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler agreed to consider the
proposal but made no promises to change the law.

"The Canadian justice system can't afford to be a deer in the headlights
when it comes to crystal meth," Mackintosh said. Crystal methamphetamine is
a central nervous system stimulant often referred to on the street as
"speed" or "crank." It is considered to be one of the most highly-addictive
drugs available, and is often more popular than cocaine or heroine because
it can be easily made in anybody's kitchen using popular over-the-counter
cold remedies containing ephedrine.

Several home-based meth labs have been shut down by police in Manitoba in
the last year. Manitoba police were also involved in a sting operation in
September to bring down a North American crystal meth smuggling circle that
resulted in the arrests of 10 Manitobans.