COPS FUME OVER POT REMARK

Local Police Association President Calls Prime Minister's 'Joke' A Slap In
The Face

Prime Minister Jean Chretien might think he's funny making jokes about
trying pot when he retires, but cops aren't laughing.

Calgary Police Association president Al Koenig called Chretien's recent
remarks "a slap in the face to law enforcement" because marijuana use
remains a criminal offence.

"For the prime minister, the leader of our country, to show such a lack of
knowledge and high degree of insensitivity towards victims of crime is very
disappointing," Koenig said.

He said marijuana is big business for organized crime, and those involved
in the drug trade are usually involved in other illegal activities, from
property crimes to violent offences.

"We see the devastating effects of the drug trade," Koenig said. "It just
goes to show how out of touch some politicians are."

Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux, head of the Calgary Police Service's drug unit,
said Chretien's comments send the wrong message.

"It's important we convey a clear and constant message that illicit drugs
are harmful -- especially to our youth," he said.

During a recent interview, the soon-to-retire PM quipped, "perhaps I will
try (marijuana) when it will no longer be criminal.

"I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other hand."

Richard Garlick, spokesman for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse,
shrugged it off.

"It was an off-hand comment," Garlick said.

"What's more important is what his government has done in terms of effort
to dissuade kids from starting to smoke (marijuana) ... I think the efforts
his government has made in funding prevention, education and treatment
speaks a lot louder than some off-hand comment."

It's doubtful kids will start toking because of the statement, he said, and
he doubts decriminalizing pot will increase use.

"Young people don't make decisions about cannabis use based on the law,"
Garlick said.

"It has really become normalized in youth population -- it's not looked
down on."

He said police will likely punish more pot users if the drug is
decriminalized, because it means simply writing a ticket as opposed to the
paperwork involved with laying criminal charges for simple possession.

Chretien is trying to pass his government's marijuana bill this fall in
what is expected to be his last parliamentary session.

He said replacing criminal sentences with simple fines is a more realistic
punishment.

"The decriminalization of marijuana is making normal what is the practice,"
Chretien said.