RATE OF DRUG OFFENCES HITS 20-YEAR HIGH

The rate of drug offences in Canada is at a 20-year-high, fuelled by
increases in cannabis offences and those involving synthetic drugs such as
ecstasy.

In 2002, police reported nearly 93,000 incidents related to the Controlled
Drugs and Substances Act, a 3-per-cent jump over the previous year,
Statistics Canada said in a snapshot of crime statistics released Thursday.

The rate of drug offences has risen steadily for nine years in a row, the
agency said.

In terms of cannabis, the majority of offences involve possession of the drug.

Rates of incidents involving marijuana rose 2 per cent in 2002 and have
doubled since 1991. The rates of incidence are per 100,000 population.

This could change the next time Statistics Canada completes a crime survey,
because a bill before Parliament would relax laws relating to possession of
the drug.

Under the proposed law, possession of marijuana would remain illegal, but
someone caught with less than 15 grams would face only a fine.

The change would do away with criminal fines and jail terms for people
convicted of possession of limited quantities. Instead, they would be fined
in much the same manner as a traffic violation.

Currently, anyone found with 30 grams or less can be charged with common
possession of the drug, while anyone with more than 30 grams can be
prosecuted for intent to sell.

The legislation has yet to pass Parliament, however, and it may not do so soon.

In 2002, the rate of cannabis offences rose 2 per cent. Nearly
three-quarters of marijuana-related offences were for possession, 15 per
cent for trafficking, 12 per cent for production and 1 per cent for
importation.

British Columbia has traditionally had the highest rate of incidents
involving possession since 1982, but rate of incidents in B.C. involving
possession dropped 3 per cent in 2002.

Other drug-related incidents also rose. Cocaine offences were up 1 per cent
and other drug offences related to synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine
(known by its street name, 'speed') rose 11 per cent.

Heroin use, however, dropped 18 per cent.