U.S. DRUG ENVOY TO COORDINATE POT CRACKDOWN FOLLOWING FEDERAL LAW

OTTAWA (AP) - A top U.S. envoy will consult with several Canadian government
departments as he helps coordinate a cross-border drug crackdown to follow
Canada's controversial new marijuana law.

U.S. deputy drug czar Barry Crane arrives in Ottawa on Tuesday, when he will
reiterate American fears that more people might try carrying their stash
across the border once Canada's pot-decriminalization bill passes.

He will ask federal officials how they plan to stave off such an increase,
then take his findings to the White House.

"Our concern is not so much the legislation as its impact," said Jennifer De
Vallance, a spokeswoman for the White House drug policy office.

"Our real issue is the impact on drug trafficking into the United States.

Crane will meet with officials from the Justice and Foreign Affairs
departments, Health Canada, the RCMP, the Solicitor-General's office, and
the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse.

In May, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon introduced legislation that would
make possession of up to 15 grams of pot a minor offense.

People nabbed with small amounts would no longer face criminal charges if
the bill becomes law, and would instead be subject to fines ranging between
$100 and $400.