EASING POT LAWS A MISTAKE, CHIEF SAYS

The federal government's plan to decriminalize marijuana will assist
organized crime by boosting demand while undermining efforts to shut down
grow houses, according to York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge.

"We're sending out the wrong message at the wrong time," Chief La Barge
said at Wednesday's police services board meeting.

"We are not equipped to deal with youth, or anyone else, under the
influence of marijuana the same way we are with alcohol."

At a Liberal party fundraiser Tuesday, Prime Minister Jean ChrEtien told
the audience a bill to decriminalize marijuana may be introduced as soon as
June.

The prime minister said he was in favour of legislation making possession a
ticketing offence, rather than a criminal charge.

The bill is also said to include more resources to stamp out drug trafficking.

But Chief La Barge disagrees with the move, saying it will only create
problems for police and the public.

"I don't buy the argument (possession of marijuana) is having a significant
impact on people because they will have a criminal record," he said.

Chief La Barge also said anecdotal evidence from officers conducting spot
checks suggests more motorists are using marijuana before driving.

The Chief reminded the board of the record 170 search warrants executed on
suspected marijuana grow houses and $51 million worth of the drug seized in
York Region last year.

He suggested the decriminalization of marijuana would be inadvertently,
"aiding the cause of organized crime", which has been linked to York
Region's grow houses.

Following charges stayed against an Ontario man three years ago for
possession of marijuana for medical purposes, a Commons committee proposed
30 grams, or seventy-five cigarettes, would constitute possession.

Chief La Barge said that was exorbitant, given the potency of marijuana.

"Ask yourself, if 75 (marijuana) cigarettes is far too much to have in your
possession and not be a criminal offense."

"I don't like how some people have been making light of the situation. It's
no laughing matter. It seems we take one step forward and two steps back
with these matters."