U.S. AMBASSADOR CITES TIGHTER BORDERS OVER POT

OTTAWA -- Softer Canadian laws on pot possession for personal use could
cause longer lineups at the border, the U.S. ambassador to Canada warned
yesterday.

Paul Cellucci said it's an "internal decision" for Canada to make.

But he said in an interview: "The only concern we have is (if it will) have
an impact on the border because we're trying to make sure that we take
pressure off the border."

The ambassador noted U.S. customs and immigration officers are there to
enforce the law.

"If you're a law-enforcement officer and if you think that something is
more readily available here, your antennae are going to be up as people
cross the border and it will probably lead to more inspections," said Cellucci.

U.S. officials began expressing concerns this week when Prime Minister Jean
Chretien said legislation to decriminalize simple possession of small
amounts of grass for personal use would be introduced soon.

"I'm sure this is one that the (U.S.) drug czar Mr. (John) Walters is
concerned about because that's his job," Cellucci said. "His job is to try
to make sure we don't have people using illegal drugs and getting addicted
to drugs."

Walters has said that in the U.S. more kids need treatment for marijuana
dependence than all other illegal drugs combined.

In an interview last year he said: "Sixty per cent of the six million
(Americans) we estimate need treatment for drug addiction or abuse are
marijuana-dependent."

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has said he intends to introduce
legislation before Parliament's summer recess, to ease pot laws that have
given thousands of Canadians criminal records for possessing small amounts
for personal use.

Alliance and Tory MPs started raising concerns this week, saying the move
could irritate already strained relations with the U.S. and cause more
border congestion because of increased U.S. inspections.