BORDER HASSLES PREDICTED

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
in an interview with Sun Media, he added, "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 that 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," Cellucci said.

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."

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has told Sun Media he intends to
introduce legislation before the summer recess, to ease pot laws.