JUSTICE MINISTER SAYS TOUGHER SENTENCES ARE COMING

The federal government plans to establish mandatory minimum sentences
for serious crimes involving drugs.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson made the announcement Friday, at the
province's RCMP headquarters in Vancouver.

The proposed amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,
if passed by parliament, would see one-year mandatory prison
sentences for dealing marijuana in an organized crime context or when
weapons or violence is involved. Further, dealing in harder drugs
like cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines to youths, or for dealing
near a school or youth hangout, would result in a two-year mandatory
prison sentence.

Also, those caught running a marijuana grow operation with more than
500 plants will receive a mandatory two-year prison sentence.
Moreover, the maximum penalty for growing pot would increase from
seven to 14 years imprisonment.

The feds are also proposing tougher penalties for dealing in
date-rape drugs. Nicholson said drug growers and dealers "who
threaten the safety of our communities must face tougher penalties.

"Our message to potential offenders is clear," he added. "If you sell
or produce drugs, you will face jail time."