CANADA A KEY PLAYER IN METHAMPHETAMINE, ECSTASY TRADE, U.S. SAYS

WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department says Canada should do more to
curb the production and trade in ecstasy and other illicit drugs.

The 2009 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, released
yesterday, highlights the growth of methamphetamine ``superlabs"
throughout the country, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario.

The report says Canada has become the No. 1 source of ecstasy south of
the border.

"Canada's continued role as a source country for ecstasy to U.S.
markets highlights the need for greater co-operation in tracking
precursor chemical activity," it says. "The U.S. urges Canada to take
stronger action to curb the rise of methamphetamine production. The
upsurge in Canadian methamphetamine production has raised the prospect
of increased smuggling from Canada to international markets."

The report cites Canadian data indicating Canadian-produced meth has
turned up around the world, including Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

The State Department also cast a critical eye on harm-reduction
programs across Canada, such as a controversial supervised injection
site in Vancouver.

It pointed to a 2007 report of the United Nations International
Narcotics Control Board, which said a Vancouver Island "safe crack
kit" program violated the UN Drug Convention.

"Canada should implement the INCB's recommendations to eliminate drug
injection sites and drug paraphernalia distribution programs because
they violate international drug treaties."