U.S. ON ALERT FOR YOUNG POT USERS

(CP) -- YOUNGER PEOPLE---Canadian or American -- trying to enter the U.S.
will become targets of increased surveillance unless Canada can dispel the
perception it is slackening penalties for pot use, U.S. Ambassador Paul
Cellucci said. That perception might be eradicated if Canada's pending
marijuana legislation were to include criminal penalties for more than one
conviction, for possession near schools or possession while operating a
vehicle, Cellucci said.

"We understand that this is a public policy decision for Canada to make
just like (some U.S.) states have made," the ambassador told the Canadian
Press. "We're just saying that right now the perception is that it's going
to be a lot easier to get marijuana in Canada and that's going to put
pressure on the border."

That strain won't slow border traffic and trade to a crawl, but it will
have an impact on border crossings and on those crossing into the U.S.
Younger people, "whether they're U.S. citizens or Canadian citizens,"
Cellucci said, will be prime targets of heightened surveillance.

"Customs and Immigration officers at the border are law enforcement
officers. Their antenna will be up looking for those trying to bring these
drugs into the United States."

Prime Minister Paul Martin has said his government will reintroduce
legislation drafted by his predecessor, Jean Chretien, that decriminalizes
penalties for possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana. What remains
unclear is whether the bill will be brought back in its original form or
whether it will be amended to toughen its penalty provisions.

The Bush administration has made it clear it regards the proposed
legislation as a measure that will increase marijuana supply in the U.S.
and increase drug trafficking.

The legislation mandates a maximum fine of $400 for adults and $250 for
youths for possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana -- about 20
cigarettes. Maximum sentences for illicit growers would increase and the
government would spend about $150 million on an educational campaign to
convince young people not to use drugs. Fines for possession would increase
for intoxicated drivers.

'TOUGHEN THE BILL'

But there are currently no provisions to make repeat offenders, drivers and
those possessing the drug near schools criminally responsible. That's
affecting the perception of the proposed bill among Bush administration
officials, Cellucci said.

"I think several things could be done to toughen the bill. There could be
emphasis on the fact that ... a young person is not going to have a
criminal record but they are going to have to pay a significant fine, which
is more than what's happening to him right now."

Asked if that perception was solidified when Chretien mused about lighting
up a joint after he left office, Cellucci reacted with a nod and sustained
chuckle.