CROWN SEEKS PRISON FOR OWNER OF DRUG LAB

The owner of a massive clandestine drug lab put many Winnipeggers at
risk -- from the harmful "designer" drugs he was making and of a
potential explosion -- and should be sent to prison for six years,
the Crown argued Friday.

David Grace, 38, was found guilty last year of several drug charges
stemming from a November 2002 raid on Valour Road.

His dangerous drug operation was only the second of its kind ever
found in Manitoba.

The Crown is seeking a lengthy sentence for Grace as a means of
sending a message that these types of drug operations will be taken
seriously by the courts.

The only previous case in Manitoba involved a Winnipeg man who got
four years for running a smaller crystal meth lab in the downtown area.

Defence lawyer Ian Garber is calling for a conditional sentence or
even discharge for his client, who has no prior related criminal record.

Queen's Bench Justice Lori Spivak will give her decision on June 13.

Grace pleaded not guilty at trial based on evidence the lab wasn't
fully operational at the time of the bust. But Crown attorney Ian
Mahon called expert evidence that showed the operation meets the
Criminal Code definition of being functional.

On Friday, a U.S. expert on clandestine labs testified via closed
circuit television and told court operations like Grace's can be
quickly dismantled and re-established.

Most of the evidence against Grace was shown through pictures and
video, as justice officials dared not bring it to court for fear of
blowing up the downtown Law Courts complex.

Although it appeared unassuming from the outside, pictures show the
main floor, basement and upstairs were filled with various chemicals.
A book on "organic chemistry" was found laying on the only bed in the
home, next to a large bottle of ether.

Police say the lab was capable of producing ecstasy and GHB, which is
also known as the "date rape" drug. There may have also been efforts
underway to make crystal methamphetamine.