Canada boosts crystal meth penalty to life in jail
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Struggling to head off a growing threat of crystal meth use, the Canadian government announced on Thursday that traffickers in the easily made illegal drug could now face life in prison.
The use of methamphetamine—known as crystal meth, crank, speed, glass or ice—has mushroomed in Western Canada, as well as in the U.S. Midwest and West. It is also spreading in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
It rivals cocaine in its addictive effects, with withdrawals more severe and long-lasting.
“There are significant health, social and economic harms caused by methamphetamine, not only for users, but for communities as well,” Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said in a statement.
The maximum penalty for production and distribution of meth had been 10 years but this has now been increased life imprisonment, on a par with cocaine.
The drug can be snorted, injected, smoked or swallowed, and within minutes gives a rush of energy and a sense of wellbeing, which then gives way to deep Depression and paranoia making the user desperate for another dose.
It has taken hold, particularly in rural areas, partly because it is easy and cheap to make. Ingredients include rock salt, battery acid, anhydrous ammonia and cold medicines.
Earlier this year, Dosanjh’s health department proposed adding “precursor” chemicals used in the production of the drug to a list of controlled substances. Possession of these for the purposes of making meth could lead to a fine of C$5,000 ($4,170) or up to three years in prison.
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