LEGALIZED POT WOULD TIGHTEN BORDER

DETROIT (AP) -- The U.S. drug-enforcement czar yesterday criticized a
movement to legalize marijuana use in Canada, saying it would force
officials to tighten border security even more.

"In my view, you don't make a major decision involving a dangerous drug
without telling people what the dangers are," said John Walters, director
of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Walters was scheduled to tour the U.S.-Canadian border today and meet local
law enforcement and drug-prevention officials.

Walters' trip to Detroit came the same week that Prime Minister Jean
Chretien and U.S. President George W. Bush visited the city to report
progress in tightening security at U.S.-Canadian crossings while keeping
goods flowing.

Walters' comments came a week after a Canadian parliamentary committee
called for legalizing marijuana use among adults, increasing pressure on
the United States to shift drug laws away from zero-tolerance policies.

The report by the Senate committee on illegal drugs urged Ottawa to
regulate marijuana the same way as alcohol and to expunge criminal records
for possession. The recommendation is another in a series of moves towards
legalization. Last year, Canada passed laws allowing eligible patients to
grow and possess marijuana for medical use.

Critics believe the proposal could have widespread ramifications for the
United States. Some are concerned about the amount of Canadian-grown
marijuana crossing the border. If Canada legalizes marijuana, the United
States could be forced to clamp down on cross-border traffic.