2002 A PEAK DRUG YEAR

Calgary joined the rest of Canada in reaching a 20-year peak in
drug-related offences recorded in 2002, say city police. Even as police
dealt with a rising tide of drug crime, two-thirds of narcotics charges
laid nationwide were for possession, said Statistics Canada, while in 2003
in Calgary, that number was 45.7%.

When asked if that was a wise use of resources, Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux of
the city police drug unit said laying possession charges is still a vital
element in enforcement.

"Each piece is important, of course, and we focus our efforts on the supply
side," said Daroux.

The dollar amount of cannabis seized last year by city police -- $45
million -- was up considerably over the $20 million confiscated in 2002.

Legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana is
before Parliament.