LOTS MORE MARIJUANA GETS INTO U.S. FROM MEXICO THAN FROM CANADA

OTTAWA (CP) -- Canada's budding reputation as America's pot pusher is
getting a shakedown from some new figures that tell a different tale.

Far from being the major exporter of marijuana to the United States as
many might think, Canada accounts for only a small fraction of the
American supply, a newly released report indicates.

The RCMP's annual assessment of the drug situation in Canada, citing
the latest seizure statistics, points out that most U.S. marijuana is
homegrown or smuggled in from Mexico.

While the amount of pot detected moving south from Canada has
increased steadily since 2000, to almost 15,700 kilograms last year,
it was dwarfed by the 406,000 kilograms of Mexican marijuana seized at
the U.S. border in 2003.

In addition, American authorities continue to report that their
primary source of marijuana remains the U.S., the RCMP report says.

The numbers contrast sharply with images of potent B.C. Bud stashes
slipping south by the truckload or, in some cases, being tossed across
the border in duffel bags.

"It's quite clear that we are only a minor supplier of cannabis to the
United States," said Eugene Oscapella of the Canadian Foundation for
Drug Policy, which advocates regulated legalization of marijuana.

Still, the RCMP considers the export of marijuana to the U.S.,
particularly from British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, to be a
"thriving industry."

Proceeds from pot sales to the U.S. are being used to purchase cocaine
for importation into Canada, the RCMP notes.

Canadian marijuana production remains a persistent headache for
police, with seizures of an average of 1.1 million plants annually in
the last five years.

"For some police forces, investigations into marijuana grow operations
represent more than half their drug cases," the report says.
"Interdictions on the highways, at bus, train and domestic airport
terminals clearly indicate that B.C. is fast becoming a source of
marijuana for the Prairie provinces and other eastbound
destinations."

Despite the plentiful supply of domestic marijuana, nearly 755
kilograms of foreign pot were seized in or en route to Canada.
Seizures of the popular club drug Ecstasy jumped significantly to the
equivalent of 5.8 million doses last year from 1.8 million in 2002.

A shift toward importation of large powder shipments from Western
Europe for processing into tablet form in Canada accounted for the
dramatic increase, the Mounties say.

The production, trafficking and use of methamphetamine, commonly known
as speed, are "of increasing concern across the country," the report
says. Surveys indicate growing use among high school students.
Thirty-seven clandestine methamphetamine labs were dismantled last
year, up from 25 in 2002.

The RCMP also reported:

- - A continuing increase in the number of illicit anabolic steroid
shipments entering Canada, with most originating in or passing through
the U.S.

- - The importation of large quantities of cocaine into Canada mainly
via sailing or fishing boats -- a new tactic aimed at avoiding the
increased scrutiny of marine containers due to heightened terrorism
fears.

- - War-ravaged Afghanistan remained the main source of opium last year,
producing an estimated three-quarters of the world's supply.