NORTH DURHAM POLICE BACK TO LAYING MARIJUANA POSSESSION CHARGES

Marijuana smokers in North Durham need to be aware that they will now be
charged for simple possession after a federal court reversed the decision
ruling it a non-criminal offense.

Durham Regional Police spokesperson, Dave Selby, told The Star that
officers will now follow the letter of the law.

"We have instructed our officers that there is now a basis in law for
laying the charges," Mr. Selby said.

Durham officers had stopped laying the charges under the criminal code for
possessing marijuana in small quantities for personal use after an Ontario
court ruling several months ago that said because of proposed federal
legislation it was no longer an offense.

"We have consulted with other (police) forces and we are in line with what
is being done across the province," Mr. Selby said.

During the moratorium on laying possession charges persons caught with less
than 15 grams of marijuana were not being charged, however, charges for
trafficking and distribution were still being laid.

Under the criminal code trafficking in a controlled substance does not
require the exchange of money, only the distribution.

The federal government is proposing legislation in the near future that
will change simple possession to a non-criminal offense punishable by fines
instead of jail time.

"The Public needs to be aware that whatever moratorium on charges that were
in place has ended," said High School Liaison Officer Clint Cole. "We have
tools to keep our schools safe and will use them."

Const. Cole said that there will be little quarter given to those found
possessing marijuana around, or in, schools.

"The policy is one of zero tolerance," Const. Cole said.