B.C. SENATOR WANTS DRUGS IN LIQUOR STORES

VANCOUVER -- A B.C. senator says cocaine and heroin should be sold in
liquor stores because the drugs are already available through illegal means
that result in huge profits for dealers.

Senator Edward Lawson said the controlled distribution of drugs that have
cost hundreds of lives through overdoses in recent years in the Vancouver
area would also ensure the drugs are not tainted.

"Maybe we should tie (the drugs) together with the liquor stores, have it
government controlled and have them quality controlled," said Lawson, who
is part of the Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs.

The committee is attending public hearings across Canada to get input on
the issue of illicit drugs.

B.C. colleague, Senator Pat Carney, joined Lawson in advocating a formal
debate on the legalization of marijuana. Alliance MP Keith Martin
introduced a private members' bill on the issue yesterday.

Lawson said Switzerland dispenses drugs such as heroin through clinics and
that Canada already has programs that treat cocaine addicts, for example,
with limited amounts of the drug.

Mark Tyndall, a Vancouver doctor who treats AIDS/HIV patients, said
Lawson's idea of dispensing cocaine and heroin in liquor stores sounds
interesting.

"I don't think (liquor stores) would be flooded by people lining up. You
and I wouldn't be lining up with our kids to buy heroin and cocaine at a
liquor store."